June 19 | John 21:1-19

Jennifer Jerrome
Jun 19
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Again and Again

By Jennifer Jerrome

While reading the Bible have you ever thought, “Wait, I’ve heard this before.” The Bible repeats stories, often word for word, which means, “Hey! Pay attention, this is important.” I think God (like human fathers) repeats himself because his children are not good listeners. We need to be told some things again and again.

The first part of today’s scripture, The Miraculous Catch of Fish occurs the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead (v. 14). The reason it sounds familiar…check out Luke 5:1-11.

Luke’s story marks the beginning of Jesus’ relationship with Simon as his disciple. I find it interesting that in the first story, the nets begin to break, and Simon Peter needs help gathering all the fish. But in today’s catch, Peter drags the net ashore by himself and even though it was full of fish the net was not torn.

I like to think this signifies a change from broken to whole; from incapability to ability - an acknowledgment of growth on Simon Peter’s part. He has the knowledge and experience he needs to “fish for people.” He can handle his discipleship duties, and he steps forward to become a leader of the early church.

The second part of today’s scripture is titled “Jesus Reinstates Peter.” It’s no coincidence that Jesus asks three times, “Do you love me?” And Peter answers confidently, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.”

It’s ironic when John writes, Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord you know all things; you know that I love you” (v. 17).

Um, Hello!? Didn’t you just deny him not once, but three times?!

Jesus is offering Peter grace by giving him another chance. He knows Peter now has the skills to “take care of his sheep.” Jesus always knew the role Simon Peter would play, just as he knows the part each of us plays in his kingdom. Sometimes we just need to be reminded and called back when we stray.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for knowing me better than I know myself; for repeating things when they need to be repeated; for acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, and helping me work with what you’ve given me. As I grow in my abilities, may I always lean on you. I am dependent on your grace and mercy. Thank you for sending Jesus and the apostles to care for your sheep. Though thousands of years have passed, they continue to do so today. Amen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.