John 21:4-6 - Obedience to Abundance — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 21:4-6. Listen.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 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.

In this passage, we find a beautiful example of Jesus' care and guidance in our lives, even when we don't recognize him at first. The disciples, after a night of fruitless fishing, encounter a stranger on the shore who offers them advice. Little do they know, this stranger is the risen Christ.

Jesus' question, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" is both compassionate and gently probing. He knows their situation but invites them to acknowledge their lack. It's a reminder that Jesus is aware of our struggles and failures, and he invites us to be honest about them.

The disciples' simple "No" speaks volumes. It's an admission of their failure and perhaps their disappointment. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations, coming up empty despite our best efforts?

Jesus' instruction to cast the net on the right side might have seemed odd to these experienced fishermen. After all, what difference could a few meters make? Yet, in their obedience to this seemingly arbitrary command, they experience a miracle.

The result is overwhelming - so many fish that they can't haul in the net. This abundance is a hallmark of Jesus' work in our lives. When we follow his guidance, even when it doesn't make sense to us, he often blesses us beyond our expectations.

As we ponder this passage, we might ask ourselves: Am I willing to listen to Jesus' guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive? Do I trust him enough to obey, even after experiences of failure? Can I recognize Jesus' presence in the ordinary moments of my life?

May we, like the disciples, be open to Jesus' unexpected appearances in our lives. May we have the humility to acknowledge our failures and the faith to follow his guidance. And may we experience the abundance that comes from obedience to his word.

God bless you.