The God of Second ChancesShembull

Forgiveness Over a Fish Fry

Fishermen are some of the hardest-working people I know. They were up before the sun, getting ready for the day and setting out to sea regardless of the weather. The funny thing is, they couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Fishermen love to fish.

Several of Jesus’ followers were fishermen, including Peter. What is unthinkable is that when he put down his nets to follow Jesus, he also put aside his profession and his lifestyle (Matthew 4:18–22). That is why it is interesting that in John 21 we encounter him back out on the water, fishing. Some scholars believe that after Peter’s three denials of Christ (Mark 14:66–72), he felt he had placed himself out of Jesus’ inner circle and therefore retreated to his former occupation. What Peter certainly didn’t expect was that Jesus would pursue him to talk about those courtyard denials. That’s right, even Jesus’ best bud had to learn how to move forward after messing up.

“Cast your net on the other side of the boat,” shouted a familiar voice from the beach. The miraculous catch that ensued immediately got Peter’s attention, but it was the charcoal fire burning that would have reminded Peter of his rejection of Christ (v. 9). The only other time where the word for charcoal fire is used in the Scriptures was at the scene of Peter’s denials (John 18:18). Now on the beach, several days after Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter and Jesus have some unfinished business to attend to.

After their morning fish fry, Jesus takes Peter for a stroll down the beach and memory lane. Peter’s declaration of loving the Lord three times did not erase his three denials just days before. However, it did create an avenue for a deeper relationship with Jesus. With each question, Jesus was giving Peter another chance. He was giving Peter a path to move forward after messing up. Peter, the fisherman, would finally retire, and permanently drop his nets, and Peter, the follower of Jesus, would never turn back again.

No matter how many times you have turned from the Lord, He is always standing on the shore of your life calling you back to Himself. Are you ready to truly follow Him?