Sunday Sermon Summary – May 04 2025

Me and my empty boat – Peter 

John 21: 1-14

After His resurrection our Lord showed himself alive to many people.  He was seen eight times before His Ascension.  In our Gospel reading today we read about the third time of Jesus revealing himself to his disciples. 

1. Command

John 21:6

Peter and six other disciples went out fishing. Maybe they thought that they have to start fishing again for their livelihood. They were fishing all night but caught nothing.  They were sailing back to shore. Jesus stood at the shore and asked if they had any fish. They answered, “No”.  Jesus commanded them to cast their net on the right side. They obeyed and caught 153 large fish. When we feel empty and have lost direction, the first thing our Lord wants us to remember is to follow His commands. 

2.  Comfort 

John 21:7

When John saw the huge catch of fish he told Peter, “It is the Lord.”  The moment Peter heard it he wore on his cloak and jumped into the water.  Peter immediately experienced a sense of comfort. He wanted to get to the shore. When we obey God’s command we will receive His comfort. Peter had denied Jesus when he was going to his trial. Now he could meet Jesus face to face. Our Lord always comforts His children. The Bible teaches us that even if a mother forgets her children, God will never forget us.  Not a single sparrow is forgotten by God; we are more precious than many sparrows. Even the hairs of our head are numbered. 

3.  Communion 

John 21:9

When the seven disciples came to shore dragging the haul of 153 large fish; they saw that Jesus had a coal fire and fish; there was also bread prepared for the disciples.  Our Lord told them to come and eat. He also asked them to bring some of the fish they had caught. The whole purpose of the crucifixion and resurrection is to bring us back into fellowship with Christ.  God created us to have fellowship with us. Now Jesus opened the door for that fellowship. After they had eaten Jesus asked Peter three times, “Peter, do you love me more than these?”  The theme of our faith in Jesus is to have close communion with him. May our Lord help us to obey His commands, receive His comfort and remain in close relationship with our creator. Amen!