“Jesus, the Revealed Christ: Return to Galilee - Breakfast by the Sea” Preamble We are continuing with Part 4 of our series about Jesus, the Revealed Christ as we examine the many appearances of Jesus after His resurrection. In reading the post-resurrection accounts, Jesus revealed Himself to individuals, to small groups of disciples, and to larger groups of those who loved and followed Him. His appearances took place from Jerusalem and Judea northward into Galilee. He revealed Himself behind locked doors, on roadways, and on sea shores. But Jesus also revealed Himself as the promised Comforter / Counsellor. He is revealed in the communal life of the early church. He is revealed in the lives of the early Christians, such as Stephan and Phillip. He is revealed to Saul, later renamed Paul, on the road to Damascus. Jesus is still being revealed as Christians today, become ‘living objects lessons of God’s love’ in their day-to-day lives. He is revealed to family members, friends, and neighbours as He continues to live in the hearts and lives of those who profess His name and presence. And there will be a time when Jesus will be revealed to the whole world; where “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11 NLT)

As this sermon series, “Jesus, the Revealed Christ,” continues, you are invited to walk with Jesus on your own journey of faith, to develop a deep relationship with Him and acknowledge Jesus as your personal Savior and Friend. Scripture Reading1: John 21:1-14 NIV “1Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 1

All Scripture quotations, unless indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV 1984) Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House (a division of The Zondervan Corporation). All rights reserved.

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Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead." Introduction In the days before he was crucified, Jesus told his disciples that, after he had risen, he would be going ahead of them into Galilee. The angels at the empty tomb reiterated this when Mary was told to inform the disciples – and Peter – that Jesus had risen, that he was alive, and that he would meet them in Galilee, just as he had promised. Over these past couple of weeks, the disciples had been on this mighty roller-coaster of emotions – extreme highs and extreme lows. The Triumphal entry had been an ultimate high point in their lives – the kingdom of God was going to be a reality – at least, that is what they felt at the time. Then there were the events of the week that was – travelling back and forth from Bethany to Jerusalem, the cleansing of the Temple, the preparation for Passover, the servant-model of Jesus as he washed their feet, the news that Jesus had to die – yet in three days would rise again, the imminent threat against their own lives. Then there was that awful night. The late night walk to the Garden, the bone-chilling weariness, the betrayal from a friend, the arrest, the denials of another, the abandonment of those closest, the trials, the beatings and mockeries heaped upon their leader, and finally the most crushing blow of all – death upon a Roman cross. Then there was the terrifying vigil where every noise might mean the presence of soldiers coming to execute their own arrest and death. And suddenly, the unbelieving news that the tomb was empty and that Jesus was alive. Jerusalem was not the fun place to be for any of the followers of Jesus in these days. Adam Clarke, in his commentary, writes:

“Previously to the crucifixion of our Lord, the temporal necessities [Jesus] and his disciples appear to have been supplied by the charity of individuals. (Luke 8:3) As it is probable that the scandal of the cross had now shut up this source of support, the disciples, not fully knowing how they were to be employed, purposed to return to their former occupation of fishing, in order to gain a livelihood.” (Clarke, 1832) When tragedy knocks you flat, when fear strikes, when disillusionment dashes all your hopes and dreams, you want to retreat to a place of safety, of comfort, of familiarity, a place where everything seems more normal again. So, almost all of the disciples went back to their homes and families. “Galilee was a retired place where they would be free from danger, and was therefore a safe and convenient situation for Jesus to meet them, in order to give them his last instructions.” (Barnes) “[And so,] . . . Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias [aka, the Sea of Galilee.]” (John 21:1) In spite of the fact that these guys had seen and talked with Jesus on at least a couple of occasions after his resurrection, they were still running on adrenalin, moving about like sheep without a shepherd. It was only natural for them to think of home, and their former occupations. The disciples seemed to have come to familiar territory and started doing familiar things. And so here they were, “Gone fishin’!” “So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:3b)

It was certainly someone familiar with the occupation of a fisherman and who knew the vagaries of the Sea of Galilee that wrote this account. William Barclay, in his practical way, writes: “There are certain kinds of fishing always carried on at night. With blazing torch, the boat glides over the flashing sea, and the men stand gazing keenly into it until their prey is sighted, when, quick as lightening, they fling their net or fly their spear; and often you see the tired fishermen come sullenly into harbour in the morning, having toiled all night in vain.” (Barclay, 1956, revised edition 1975, p. 281) “4

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” (John 21:4-6) The description of this event is of something which still frequently happens on the lake even today. Again, Barclay writes:

“’H. V. Morton describes how he saw two men fishing on the shore of the lake. One had waded out from shore and was casting a bell net into the water. But time after time the net came up empty . . . While he was waiting for another cast, [his friend] shouted to him from the bank to fling to the left, which he instantly did. This time he was successful . . . drew up the net and we could see the fish struggling in it. It happens very often that the man with the hand-net must rely on the advice of someone on the shore, who tells him to cast either . . . left or right, because in the clear water he can often see a shoal of fish invisible to the man in the water.’ Jesus was acting as guide to his fishermen friends, just as people still do today.” (Barclay, 1956, revised edition 1975, p. 281)

So, once again, Jesus shows himself as “Jesus, the Revealed Christ.” 1. He Revealed Himself Seasonably “ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore . . .” (John 21:4) “They fished all night, but they caught no fishes.” (Leatherman, 1988) Remember those words to that old Sunday School chorus? They had nothing, absolutely nothing to show for all their work. And now it was morning. And after a fruitless night’s hard work, there stood Jesus on the shore. Christ's timing in revealing himself known to any one of his people is when they are most at a loss. When you and I think we have lost everything – empty nets, empty pews, empty homes, empty lives, empty hearts – Jesus will always let us know that we have not lost him. The Psalmist wrote: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 The Amplified Bible

Our tears, our loneliness, our pain, our frustrations, our disappointments, our weariness may “endure for a night; but joy comes . . . if Jesus comes . . . in the morning.” Jesus revealed himself to those disciples by standing on the shore, because they were to make their move towards him. Isn’t it great to know that when our journey is rough and stormy, there is Jesus waiting for us at shore, and we are hastening to him? 2. He Revealed Himself Gradually “ . . . Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. . . . Later,. . . the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’” (John 21:4, 7) It often happens that, no matter how intimate our relationship is with Jesus,

no matter how long we have been a Christian, there are times that we do not recognize his presence – that it is Jesus. You may have been in a place or situation where you really did not want Jesus to see you. Ever been doing something and you didn’t hear someone else silently come up to you and scare the daylights out of you? You were not expecting them – or anyone to be there. Jesus does not play the ‘boogey-man’ with people. He doesn’t try to sneak up on you unexpectedly. He doesn’t surprise you out of your boots. Yet, Jesus is often closer than we would ever think or imagine. And, rather than scare us, he makes himself known to us gradually. Rather than fright, his presence brings comfort. Rather than terror, his presence brings peace. Rather than despair, his presence brings delight. He cares – cares for each one of us – tenderly, quietly. He does not pound at the door demanding immediate attention. No, his knock is gentle, and he is patient in his expectations – waiting for us to invite him into our hearts and lives. Waiting to meet our needs. Isn’t it great to know that when we really do need Jesus, there he is quietly waiting to provide for us when we seem to have come to the end of our rope? 3. He Revealed Himself Sympathetically 5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" (John 21:5) Jesus was well aware of their situation – not just after a long and fruitless night of fishing, but he also knew about the emotional upheaval they had been going through over the past few days. They didn’t have much to say, just a simple shrug of the shoulders and a tired, “No!” Jesus interacted with his disciples with as much kindness and affection as ever. He spoke to them in a tone that demonstrated his love and concern for them – as a loving parent to a child. They were his children, the children which God had given him. Jesus is concerned for their welfare. His question shows his concern for these men – not just from idle curiosity but that they are provided with that which they need,. . . and if they are not, he will take care of them. The apostle Paul, reiterated this promise when he wrote: “My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.” Philippians 4:19 NCV And he does! We are the representatives of Jesus today. We are the agents of change in our world, in our community, in our homes.

Christ, through us, looks into the homes of our family members, our friends, our neighbours, and asks, “Are you OK?” Jesus IS the example for us of compassionate concern for our world. There are many poor households exhausted of any means of getting all that they need. Poor does not necessarily mean the low income. Poor may mean that that co-worker, overcome by the private pain of events at home, has lost all hope. Poor may mean that fellow student, overwhelmed by the pressures of the friends, may have lost all hope. Poor may mean that neighbour, upon being told they have cancer, may have lost all hope. And they have nothing left – they are empty. And Jesus – in careful tenderness, asks, “Do you have what you need, what you are looking for?” Isn’t it great to know that when we really do need Jesus, there he is tenderly and genuinely asking us if everything is OK, when we seem to have nothing left? 4. He Revealed Himself Powerfully “ He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” (John 21:6) Mosie Lister wrote this song: My Jesus knows when I am lonely, He knows each pain He sees each tear He understands each lonely heartache, He understands and always cares. My Jesus knows just what I need; oh yes He knows just what I need. He satisfies and ev'ry need supplies, yes He knows just what I need. My Jesus knows when I am burdened, He knows how much my heart can bear; He lifts me up when I am sinking and brings me joy beyond compare. When other friends seem to forget me, when skies are dark when hope seems gone; By faith I feel His arms about me and hear Him say, "You're not alone." (Lister, 1955, 1970) And knowing what we need, Jesus provides all of the resources – beyond anything we can ask of imagine. Maybe not in the way we expect, or want – but in the way that he determines is the best for us. Christ reveals himself to us, his people, by providing for us that which no one else can do, and things which we didn’t look for. Isn’t it great to know that when we really do need Jesus, he knows just what we need, and he satisfies and every need supplies? AMEN Bibliography The Amplified Bible. (1965 Thirtieth printing, March, 1985). Zondervan Publishing House / The Lockman Foundation. The Holy Bible, New Century Version (NCV)®. (1987, 1988, 1991). Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc. Barclay, W. (1956, revised edition 1975). The Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of John, Vol. 2, Chapters 8-21 (Revised Edition). Toronto: G. R. Welch Co. Ltd.

Barnes, A. (n.d.). "Commentary on John 21" Barnes' Notes on the New Testament. Retrieved May 4, 2012, from StudyLight.org : http://www.studylight.org/com/bnn/view.cgi?book=joh&chapter=021 Biblica. (1973, 1978, 1984). HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® (NIV 1984). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House (The Zondervan Corporation). Clarke, A. (1832). "Commentary on John 21". "The Adam Clarke Commentary". Retrieved April 30, 2012, from StudyLight.org: http://www.studylight.org/com/acc/view.cgi?book=joh&chapter=021 Leatherman, L. (1988). Peter, James and John in a Sailboat CCLI # 4596598. Kansas City, Missouri: Lillenas Publishing Company (admin by Music Services Inc. Lister, M. (1955, 1970). He Knows Just What I Need CCLI # 71911. Mosie Lister Songs | Southern Faith Songs. Tyndale House Publishers. (2005). Holy Bible, The New Living Translation (NLT). Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale house Publishers, Inc.