It is yet one more story that doesn’t make sense.  Then again, why should it?  After all, there wasn’t much the disciples did that ever made sense.  Sometimes one has to wonder why, out of all the available possibilities, did the Lord chose those particular twelve to be his followers!

After all, they weren’t always the brightest crayon in the box.   Remember how they reacted when Jesus told them they were going to Jerusalem and while there he would be betrayed, tried, and crucified?  James and John started arguing about which one of them was going to sit at his right hand.  As for Peter, he informed Jesus such talk was utter nonsense.

Or, what about the time Jesus said he was going ahead to prepare a place for the disciples and they knew where he was going.  Without stopping to think about who Jesus was and what lessons he had been teaching them, Thomas replied, “How are we suppose to know if you don’t  by tell us?”  Even Jesus had a hard time believing anyone could be that dense!

Now, one would think that after witnessing the crucifixion and resurrection the disciples would finally be in a position to understand.  The facts, however, tell us differently.  What we learn is that even after seeing the risen Lord with their own eyes, hearing him with their own ears and touching them with their own hands they still didn’t get it.  According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit.  (Luke 24:49)

So, what did Peter do?  When their waiting turned from days into weeks, he decided to take matters into his own hands.  He left the city and headed for Galilee – the place where it had all began.  It was in Galilee that Jesus found him tending to his fishing nets; the place where he felt the most at home.  It was also the place where he knew he could begin at the beginning – where he could resume his life as it once had been. 

The problem was it didn’t work.  After an entire night of hard work, this once great fishermen and six of his equally talented friends had nothing to show for it.  There boats . . . their spirits . . . their lives were empty.

Just as their discouragement and frustration reached its peak, Jesus appeared on the beach.  “Children,” he cried out, “you have no fish.  Through your net on the right side of the boat and you will get some.” 

 Now friends, it had not been three years since Jesus had called these same men away from their boats with the promise of teaching them to fish for people.  For three years he had tried to do just that.  Yet it wasn’t until that morning on the beach that Jesus faced his biggest challenge.  Here were seven of his strongest disciples and they had no fish.  They were so disillusioned and broken hearted they didn’t have the strength, the courage, or even the luck to catch anything . . . or anyone.

So, how do you think Jesus felt?  After everything he had done, the sacrifices he had made and the abuse he had suffered the disciples “had no fish.”  Was he disappointed or hurt?  He may have been concerned or worried.  But the one thing he wasn’t was angry.  While the disciples were obviously having a difficult time understanding, believing and acting on the lessons he taught them, Jesus wasn’t angry.  Instead, he was so overcome with love and compassion, he simply told them what they needed to do to be successful.  And when they responded to his instructions, he asked them to bring him part of the catch.  What little bit of faith they had left – whatever fish they had to offer – was enough for the Lord. 

So it is for us, too.  Jesus stands on the shores of our lives asking that we bring him whatever we have – our bits of wonder and delight; our confusion and despair; our questions and dreams.  It doesn’t matter how large or small our offerings might be.  He loves us so much that he will take what we bring and transform it into something that will sustain and delight us. 

Christians, look at everything he has done for us – the sacrifices, the gifts, the forgiveness and the blessings.   Yet, what is so tragic – so heartbreaking – is that he has to ask if we love him! 

Simon, son of John, do you love me?  Kathleen, child of Kenneth, do you love me?  Micheal, son of Whit, do you love me?  Bev, child of Jerome, do you love me? 

Do we?  Do we love him?  If we love him, how do we show it?  What difference does it make in our lives and the lives of others?  If we love him shouldn’t it show with every step we take . . . every word we speak . . . every action we take?

And in those moments when we are discouraged and unsure, do we love him enough to give him what little we have and trust that a miracle will happen?  And it will . . . if only you love him.

To God be the Glory.  Amen.