For three and a half years the disciples daily lived with Jesus spending time listening to His teachings, observing His ministry and His interaction with people, and being themselves mentored by His discipleship. But after the resurrection, Jesus’ time with them was only periodic. He appeared from time to time but the daily mentoring routine was over. He expected them to carry-on the business of His kingdom.
Read the story John 21:15-19
The disciples were in the dark and confused as to what to do with themselves. In their confusion and darkness several of them decided to return to fishing. They fished all night but caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus appeared on the shore and asked, “Have you any fish?” No, they answered. “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” They did and 153 large fish jumped into their net.
This was reminiscent of three and a half years earlier when Jesus first called them to be His disciples.(John 5:4 -11). On that occasion, Jesus told them He was going to make them fishers of men, and that fishing for the souls of men was to become their life’s mission. He now reminds them of who they are called to be and He asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter responded each time, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus connected Peter’s love for Him to his mission saying each time “Feed and take care of my sheep.”
In the darkness we sometimes forget who we are called to be. Fishing for fish was not their calling, fishing for the souls of men was what their lives were to be about. Shortly after this occasion Jesus ascended into heaven and then a few days later He poured out the Holy Spirit upon them on the day of Pentecost empowering them to effectively carry on the business of His kingdom.
The church was born and grew by leaps and bounds as they pursued their calling speaking the Word boldly day after day in the Temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 5:42)
Activity:
Write a paragraph of what you understand your calling to be at this time in your life. Make a list of things He is doing in you to prepare you for His tasks.