John 21:1-19
This text is used for the Lectionary Year C on April 10, 2016.
John’s epilogue provides a powerful conclusion to the gospel, despite the number of perplexing elements to the story. A number of unanswered questions arise from the text. Why do the disciples return to fishing? Why are we told the specific number of fish caught in the nets (153)? Why are there two different words for “love” mentioned in this text? Why were the disciples able to catch fish simply by casting their nets on the other side of the boat? While these enigmatic issues are fascinating, the preacher is better off centering the sermon on the clearer declarations within the text.
The setting invites some intertextual observations which can inform the sermon. The disciples are fishing on the Sea of Tiberius (21:1). The only other time the Sea of Tiberius is mentioned in the gospel is when it serves as the setting for the feeding of the 5000 in chapter 6. In that story, Jesus provides a miraculous meal for a large crowd. In this story, Jesus provides an ordinary breakfast for a small crowd. In both stories, Jesus proves to be the provider for those who follow him. Like God who provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus provides fish and bread to sustain his people in their need.