John 21:7-8, It Is the Lord!

7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

Again we find the enigmatic phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” whom we take to be John. It is he who recognizes the voice on the shore as that of Jesus. Peter, therefore, puts on his outer garment—he had stripped down for the sweaty work of fishing—preparing himself to come into the presence of his Lord. The usually impulsive Peter jumps overboard into the water not wanting to wait to haul in the fish and sail back to shore. You have to love Peter’s enthusiasm, suggesting why Jesus chose him as the leader of his disciples.

How enthusiastic are you to follow Jesus? Would you jump overboard for him? Do you find yourself living a life wholeheartedly for Jesus or are you reserved in your faith?

Lord Jesus, take each of us where we are in our faith and empower us with your Spirit, equipping us to do the work of mission—to share the good news of you with a world starving to taste the Bread of Heaven. Amen.