When the men of the city brought the woman taken in adultery (in the very act), their motive was to prove that Jesus would disobey the law. Rather than doing so, He asked them a conscience cleansing question, “Who among you has not sinned? You throw the first stone.”
They wanted him to say that she should be stoned. He took another viewpoint rather than the old law. He adhered to His reason for coming on earth to search and seek out that which was lost.
He ushered in forgiveness, mercy, justice and truth and eternal life. He fulfilled the law; taking it upon Himself to die for us that we might be saved.
How often have we accused someone or even wanted to say in our hearts “they did this or they did that?” And say it with no proof, but only accusation because you didn’t know the person nor just didn’t like the person?
Let’s turn to righteousness, justice and peace and dare to forsake unjustified prejudice or leave the masses and turn to the true Jesus Christ! And pray for it. John 21:6 says, “And Jesus spoke to them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”
God has a plan which has been established from eternity past. His plan is in place. We know that Christ is always in authority and in command in every situation. He has dominion and proves it by His crucifixion and His resurrection.
Here, He is presented like a person who sees the hard work, but failing work after long labor, trying to decide and having thought over it long and hard, but can’t come to the right conclusion on their own of just where to look for the fish at the right place and the right time.
It reminds me of the man Jesus healed of his 38 years of paralysis. He says, “Do you want to be made whole?” Jesus in His “seeking” brings in an alternative solution. TRY ME!
In this at John 21:6, He does not command that they do anything. He gives advice like another person. He just says, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.”
It’s like they said, “Let’s try it. After all we haven’t had any good catch up til now, so we just may as well listen to what He’s saying.” Wow! And what happens after that! The disciples, being at a loss what to do, readily obey him, though they did not know who he was.
If someone had come before the first casting of the net, and said this, what do you suppose would have happened? They may have looked with question mark faces on each of them and most likely they would not have so quickly obeyed. But, at this point, they were submissive and may be desperate. They had already been worn out by long and useless toil.
Don’t we get like that sometimes?! We may labor at a project for hours, and even years. Then finally, we turn our minds to the all-knowing Lord God for help! Our own resourceful ideas have run out. We need to be very thoughtful and not give up. The great reward may be just around the corner.
They had labored unsuccessfully during the whole night and continue their toil after the return of daylight. If we wish to allow an opportunity for the blessing of God to descend on us, we ought constantly to expect it; for nothing can be more unreasonable than to withdraw the hand immediately from labor, if it do not give promise of success.
It’s like, “pray without ceasing.” Don’t give up. Believe and expect that “the only one true God” will only reward us for our long labor and persistence. Remember! Keep the thought of good expectation. Look for the reward when we are doing His work.
Timing is everything. We have heard that said many times. There is a right time and a right season. Our calling may be very difficult and sometimes appear to be impossible, but our Lord continues to labor right alongside beside us.
You remember He said, “My father works, and I work.” (John 5:17) Lord Jehovah didn’t stop working and being busy after His six days of creation. Even now, He works.
Remember that God doesn’t punch in on a timeclock. He surrounds everything. He is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. That’s saying a lot! Christ exhibits His Divine power.
The draught of fishes was beyond their expectations. You know when the Lord says He will bless us exceeding abundantly (Ephesians 3:20) above all that we can ask, think or imagine. He means that!
By his concealed power, He preserved the net whole, which otherwise must unavoidably have been broken in pieces. This tells us something as well. Remember when the scriptures say, “He emptied himself.” He never lost His divinity. He was fully God and fully man.
His divinity was concealed, but always there. He veiled Himself in flesh. He did not lose any of His power or authority in the incarnation.
The disciples find burning coals on the shore. Fishes are laid on them, and bread is also prepared. He had prepared breakfast for them! As to the number of the fishes, we ought not to look for any deep mystery in it.
Jesus is “the miracle worker.” He is miraculous, wondrous and glorious. Let’s keep following Him.
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043, 323-293-9826, www.todaysfreshstart.org, (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Any errors? Let me know. Sundays for music & message: 11:30 a.m. {1-712-775-8971—code 266751} Reference: The Holy Bible. Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible. Don’t stop praying and hoping.
