Sermon Starter | 5.5.19 | John 21:1-9

If this is your first time reading these Sermon Starters, this link may be helpful to orient you.

Biblical: 

What is happening contextually?

Just before this Scripture reading, we find that toward the end of John 20 Jesus revealed himself first to Mary Magdalene, then the disciples and finally to Thomas. After countless miracles, signs and stories Jesus again shows himself to the disciples while they are at the Sea of Tiberias.

Who are the major players?

Disciples - The author of the Gospel of John is quick to point out the specific disciples who were present together (vs. 2). Peter seems to be the ring leader as he announces his intention to go fishing. This seems to be a reminder that this was their occupation before they met Jesus. The other disciples appear to be passive characters who follow his leadership. 

Simon Peter - If this were a play, Simon Peter would have the largest speaking part. He goes fishing, the disciples follow. He is also the first to recognize Jesus and he jumps out of the boat to come to Jesus. In theater terms, the blocking isn’t very interesting, if we read between the lines there is something interesting happening.

Jesus - There is very little information about Jesus after he resurrected. The Gospel of John gives us some of the most information about Jesus that has risen. Jesus’ interaction with the disciples seems both timely and intentional that he chooses to meet them after he rose the same way he met most of them the very first time. Jesus could have appeared in a thousand other ways and times; here he intentionally chooses a time when they are rebounding back to what they knew best, fishing.

Other notes that may be interesting:

Other key “players” to note are the fish that disciples were seeking and never found until Jesus told them to cast their nets another direction. Reading further in this Gospel tells us more information about the fish. The bread is also introduced in the last verse we see here in verse 9. 

Why was Peter fishing naked? Is this something that fisherman did in his time? What is the significance of his choice to put on clothes before he jumps off the boat to come to Jesus?

When Peter jumped off the boat to come to Jesus; did he expect to walk on water as he once did? 

What is the significance of naming the seven disciples in the boat?

I can’t help but wonder what the psychological state the disciples were in at this time. What as going through their minds? They already encountered Jesus after he rose from the dead. Mary Magdalene had already shared this news as well. Toward the end of John 20, they apparently witnessed more signs...what drew them back to their previous occupations of fishing? Were they planning what to do next? Were they still scared? Was this the way they tried to unpack all they had just experienced?

How is it that they didn’t recognize Jesus until their nets filled with fish? They’ve already seen him, why don’t they recognize him now?

Theological

What does this text say theologically about God?

There have been lots of sermons focusing on the nets that were overflowing with fish. That’s not really the focus of our time here today. What interests me is the question of why and what?

Why did Jesus come back to these seven disciples while they fished? Why did he tell them to cast their net to the other side? Why was it that Peter recognized Jesus while the others didn’t seem to (or at least were not as quick to react). Why didn’t Jesus come walking on water to them? 

What does this text say about humanity?

Was it desperation or belief that made the disciples choose to listen to a stranger call them children and then cast their net on the other side. If fishing were my profession, and some random dude yelled from the shore something as obvious as casting my net on the other side of the boat...I wouldn’t just  obey. Would I?

What was the key for Peter to recognize Jesus? Was it the miracle of the fish? Jesus voice? How do we recognize Jesus calling in our lives today?

Relevance

Another weekend has past with yet another shooting in the United States. Browse through news headlines and we can become inundated with violence, sadness and terror. For some, the incredible amount of horrors happening in our world may cause us to freeze and draw ourselves inward (maybe we go back to our own versions of fishing). I wonder how the disciples might be responding to all that has happened to them in this short time since Jesus was crucified on the cross. What might have drawn them back to fishing? What draws us back to our lives before we encounter Jesus?

I want to encourage you to take some time as you prepare to preach and teach this Sunday to talk to the people in your communities. How do they respond/react to news happening in our world today? Good news, tragic news…how do they collate the vast amount of information available at our fingertips? What does it mean for us as followers of Jesus to worship a resurrected Christ? I pray that their responses inspire and inform your sermon preparation this week to empathize and engage the people you are called to serve this week.

Bonus note: Anyone who integrates May 4th and “May the 4th be with you” reference to Star Wars is something kinda awesome in my book.

It’s your turn, what are the nuances in this weeks sermon that are grasping your imagination? Please feel free to share in the comments below. 

Peace be with you as you prepare your sermon this week.