Finding Our Mission

Introduction

I am not a fisherman. If you want expert advice about fishing talk with David Goodman or Randy Curtis. They can explain the finer points of the art of fishing. My experience with fishing typically revolves around sunburn, napping (which produced the sunburn), and doughnuts. As long as there are doughnuts I will consider fishing but my experience has left me finding it beyond my patience level. Fishing requires a number of things — so I am told — and not least is patience.

In John 21, the disciples have been fishing all night without result. I suppose there are few things in this life more demanding of our patience than to spend an extended period of time trying to do something only to discover that there is no success or even worse complete failure. According to John there are seven disciples fishing. Three of them we know have spent a long time in the fishing industry. Peter, James, and John worked this occupation before following Jesus. We are told that it is bad night of fishing and in the early morning of dawn they have nothing to show for their work. What happens next sets the stage for a powerful interaction between Jesus and Peter. Before we look at John 21, remember that John wrote this so that future readers would be convinced about Jesus. Chapter 21 seems to be an epilogue to the gospel account. Probably written to confirm two things — Peter’s reinstatement to following Jesus and to explain John’s longevity. This gospel account written in the late 1st century there is a common belief that John was to live on this earth until Jesus returned. John explains the fallacy of that belief in this chapter. But there is an important reminder in this chapter — our mission matters and the mission that matters most is honoring Jesus. Let’s praise him.

Let’s Eat

Something happens when you eat with people. We tend to relax. Our talk tends to be less formal. We move from pleasantries to telling stories. Stories almost always are about revealing something about ourselves. So eating with folks allows us to reveal parts of self to others. Eating together tends to forge a connection. Sharing a meal together is the opportunity to confirm at least connection and when done over and over again, friendship. Three decades ago we congregationally began to eat together. It was an intentional way to build relationship. When Barbara and I first came to Park, we ate Taco Salad everywhere. This was new to us. Being invited to different small groups allowed us to see that there is a base for taco salad but the toppings vary. And we sat with people who are no longer here and learned about them and they about us. Our monthly eating together is a commitment to strengthening our ties as a congregation. It is a special time of unity. The noise in the F/H speaks volumes that it fulfills its intended purpose.

Something happened between Jesus and the disciples during this meal. Specifically with Peter and John. All night fishing resulted in nothing. A stranger on shore shouts to them to try the other side of the boat and when they do, there are so many fish that they couldn’t haul the net into the boat. John puts things together first and Peter is the first to react. I do wonder what the others thought when Peter jumped into the water and left them to get the catch together. And Jesus and these seven disciples have breakfast together. So what?

We can speculate about why Peter and the rest are fishing. Are they just relaxing? Are they returning to their prior work giving up on the ministry stuff? Are they searching for significance? We don’t know. What we do know is that without Jesus, the fishing is fruitless. It makes sense only when Jesus is present.

These disciples are not going to return to their former occupations. Jesus has something different in mind. Jesus is going to refocus the disciples on their mission. But to do that he sets up the encounter. Fish on your own and there is nothing. Fish with me and there is something. We go to work everyday. We work for those we like and for those we don’t like. We sweat and slave for the paycheck. Some days are enjoyable. Some days are just days. And some days we wonder why we remain and then go home and eat and pay bills and we are reminded why we stay.

Whatever the job, it only makes sense when we work for Jesus. While Jesus is going to call Peter to a different role than fishing, he doesn’t all call us to change jobs. What he does call us to remember is that each day makes sense with his blessing. Just as he gave bread and fish to sustain and renew the disciples so he calls us to go into this world for him. He gives us what is needed to sustain and renew. Our work matters when we work for Jesus. As C.S. Lewis wrote in Weight of Glory: The work of a Beethoven, and the work of a charwoman, become spiritual on precisely the same condition, that of being offered to God, of being done humbly “as to the Lord.” This does not, of course, mean that it is for anyone a mere toss-up whether he should sweep rooms or compose symphonies. A mole must dig to the glory of God and a cock must crow.

Special Mission

What do you think happened during the meal? Do you think it was lighthearted? Serious? Relaxed? Worshipful? After the meal, Jesus engages Peter in a direct public conversation. In other words, there is no attempt to shield the conversation from the others sitting around the fire. Just as Peter’s denial was around a fire now it is time for a confession of faith and allegiance. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times so he is asked three times to confirm his love for Jesus. The last time Peter is asked the Bible tells us that he is “hurt” or “grieved” or “sorrowful.” It is the idea that the third question touches him deeply. This is awkward.

At this point Jesus and Peter go for a walk. John tags along but at a distance. Jesus gives an important announcement. He tells Peter how he is going to die. The phrase “stretch out your hands” is synonymous with crucifixion. Peter in John 13 had said he would give his life to defend Jesus. He will give his life not to defend Jesus but to glorify him. Just as Jesus knew his ministry would lead to the cross, so now Peter knows that to truly love Jesus means that there is a cross waiting for him as well. Just as Peter was told at the beginning of the ministry to follow Jesus so he is told again to follow Jesus.

The point? Peter knows the result of his mission. It isn’t dying. That is going to happen no matter what. We will all die unless the Lord returns. No the result of his mission is to glorify God. Fishing only makes sense with Jesus. Mission only makes sense with Jesus. Where are you going? What is your mission? What are you trying to accomplish? None of it makes ultimate sense unless Jesus is included. There has to be more to life than working for a paycheck. Peter knows he will be crucified. Not a pleasant thought. But Jesus gives a purpose leading up to that unpleasant event. The event will make sense if he follows Jesus. His confession of his love for Jesus means that he will glorify God even in his death.

Peter inquires about John. Jesus says what God has planned for John is of no consequence to Peter. If God wants him to live until Jesus returns, that is God’s decision. In other words, it’s none of you business what God has planned for John. Your business is to follow me. Quit looking at someone else with envy. Quit looking at someone and wondering what God is going to do with them. Quit looking at another thinking that they have it easy compared to me and that life isn’t fair. If you were walking with Jesus on that beach long ago, he would say the same thing. I gave you a mission. It’s not your business what God is going to do with others. Focus on your mission and live it well. Glorify God if your mission includes dying violently or living without seeing death. God’s mission for each person is his business. You have enough to stay focused on your own mission.

Where are you going? What are you doing? What is your mission? How are you remaining focused on your mission? The mission is the same for us all — to glorify God. How that mission is carried out will vary from person to person. Invitation.

Follow Jesus

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