It was Never About the Fish.
A few observations
First, this story shares elements that are common to John’s story of Jesus meeting his disciples at the Sea of Galilee for a BBQ. See John 21:1-10.
In both stories, we see a futile night of fishing,
Jesus offers some unsolicited fishing advice, an overwhelming catch of fish, and a recognition of Jesus’ identity that focuses especially on the response of Simon Peter. And in both stories, Peter begins a new chapter in his life.
Today’s story from Luke is not strictly a post-resurrection/easter story like John’s, but it is certainly a ‘New life’ story.
Secondly, this is not Simon’s first encounter with Jesus. Jesus has already been to Simon’s home in Capernaum and has healed his mother-in-law (4:38-39). Perhaps that explains Simon’s willingness to let Jesus use his fishing boat as a floating pulpit.
Third, it is one thing for Peter to ask The Master into his home to heal his mother-in-law. It is something quite different to allow Jesus into his workplace, into his office if you like, and accept some complimentary fishing advice from this Johnny come lately, this apprentice carpenter especially when just a few hours ago the fish were not biting and every trick had been relentlessly tried and failed. The nets had come up empty. What could this itinerant little man possibly do?
Fourth, This call of Peter has much to teach us about the nature of sin and especially our handwringing, ‘Oh my goodness’ dwelling on sin.
The trouble with dwelling on our sin is that it stimulates fear. In fact sin and fear are best buddies and one is seldom experienced without the other. Take it from someone who knows and has done the practical work on this far too many times.
These two henchmen, sin and fear thwart your potential and your possibilities and we are tempted to ask God to depart. Sin and fear can curdle deep within us and often we are not aware of them until they manifest themselves differently, a different vibe, an out-of-left field action, and we are left scratching our heads thinking ‘Where did that come from?’ It is into this vacuum of fear and unworthiness that our Lord speaks and says
“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
We cannot move on in our path and vocation when we are tied tightly, tied down, and tied up with fear and a sense of guilt.
So the disciples have tried all night and caught nothing. Everything they have learnt from their dear old dad, every trick, every bait has proven fruitless and they are empty at all levels.
It is when we recognise our emptiness that we have the potential to be filled and be fulfilled, to be generous with the overabundance of what God has given to us. When we have tried everything we think we know and then some, and come up with nothing…. That’s when the work really begins, that’s when we are free to move on. That’s when the serious business of catching people for the Kingdom can truly begin. Why? Because in our bankruptcy, foreclosure and destitution we can never be transactional. There is no quid pro quo when you have nothing to offer, nothing to bargain with. All we have is His initiative.
His initiative to get into the boat, His initiative to teach and preach, his initiative to produce the fish, his initiative to tell us not to be afraid, his initiative to call us.
Perhaps then, the real miracle is not the large haul of redfin and mullet at all. Rather the miracle is in the catch of Peter allowing himself to be caught. Being set free by forgiveness so that he allows himself to swim in the delicious waters of God’s love.
You see, Simon Peter could have continued to say "No. Go away" and then what would have happened? But he doesn’t. He understands that Jesus is not a free meal ticket but the Master before him is the source of unstoppable grace and forgiveness. Peter understands it was never about the fish. It was always about him.
The real miracle in this story is that Peter understands that he is called even as an incomplete, work-in-progress, person. Just as he is. And the good news, the miracle for you and I brothers and sisters, is that that is exactly how The Master calls us today. Incomplete, with jagged edges, mucked about and mucking about, with distractions and disappointments with far too many flaws and ugly bits. We are exactly the sort of people He needs. The unfinished and insufficient ones. The ones who are lacking and found to be badly, sadly wanting. Perhaps this is so that He can shape us into the people we are supposed to be. There is more scope for him without our preconceptions and rigid ideas when there are big gaping holes.
So Yep, count me in. I fit all the selection criteria.
Final question? What happened to the two boatloads of freshly caught fish in the story? They were right there for all to see yet they are never mentioned again. So what happened to them?… Who cares?! We're off to catch some of our own. Anyway, it was never about the fish. It was always about Peter, about James and John. It was and is about you … and me.