John 21:9-11, The Final Miracle

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Even though Jesus was crucified and resurrected, his disciples had to eat, and he has prepared breakfast for them. Yet he wants to add more fish on the grill—some of the miracle fish, some of the 153. It as though he invites them to contribute to what he has already done. Yet we know they would not have a single fish to grill if it were not for his provision of the 153.

When you are raised in American culture and believe you have to “pull yourself up by your own boot straps” or you believe the falsehood “God helps those who help themselves,” then it is really hard to understand what is going on here and how what Jesus does directly condemns our American thinking. Jesus provides everything and his disciples can do nothing on their own. Are they thinking to themselves about Jesus’ earlier teaching on Maundy Thursday evening? “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Through the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus is teaching them about mission.

Lord Jesus, help me to abide in you today. Teach me that I am a branch nourished and sustained by you, and then use me for your good and perfect purposes. Amen.