It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Cast the Net, a Reflection on John 21:5-11

Even after Jesus speaks to them, they don't know it's him. Yet, they do what he says to do. I'm not sure what John intended for us to get out of that.

In any case, when they do what Jesus tells them to do, things work out well for them. Let's me careful about using this juxtaposition to prove that the prosperity gospel is true after all. Yet, as many commentators point out, it is a good story for us to remember during Eastertide. They had no hope. Jesus appeared. They listened to him. Abundance.

They had not recognized Jesus when they saw him or when he spoke. But, now with their net overflowing with fish, they are able finally to know that he is with them.

Allen & Williamson, in their Preaching the Gospel, point out that:
The Beloved Disciple, the important authority figure for John's community, recognizes Jesus; he who had believed without seeing Jesus (20:8), now sees Jesus, whereas Peter, who had believed because he saw Jesus, does not this time recognize him.



Peter responds immediately by jumping in the sea and swimming toward Jesus who is standing on shore. Or, almost immediately--he does get dressed first. I think the fishing naked is significant, but I have no theories about why.

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