Easter 3 Gospel Reading: John 21:1-14 (15-19)

After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples found themselves in a familiar situation — fishing all night on the Sea of Tiberius without catching anything.

As dawn broke, a stranger called from shore, “Children, have you caught any fish?”

When they answered no, he suggested, “Cast your net on the other side.”

Though skeptical, they obeyed — and suddenly couldn’t haul in their abundant catch!

Simon Peter recognized the pattern immediately. This had happened once before, years earlier, when Jesus first called them to become “fishers of men.”

Peter wasn’t going to miss the significance twice.

This was Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance in John’s gospel. But notice the beautiful progression in his invitation.

The first time, Jesus had called them to service: “Come and I will make you fishers of men.” Now, his invitation is even more gracious: “Come and eat.”

How wonderful that our Lord still comes to us with this same gracious invitation!

He welcomes us into his holy house to be fed — through forgiveness in the words of absolution, through nourishment from the scriptures, and through the feast of his body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

This is what it’s all about: Christ for you. In his house, on his altar.

Rejoice that he comes not just on the last day, but every day for you.

Hallelujah! Christ has risen.

Contributor Timothy Chase is pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Truman, MN.

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