The night’s work was difficult, not to mention disappointing. Fishermen threw their nets at night because the heat of the day made the task infinitely harder. Plus the fish hide down in the cool deep when the sun hits Lake Genesseret. So the best chance to make a decent catch — not to mention a decent living — came at night. People aren’t really made tone up all night though. There is something unnatural about watching the sun go down and then seeing it rise again without having slept. Maybe that’s why Peter, James, and John could not make it though the night in Gethsemane.
They did, however, make it through this night. After all, there was work to be done. Unsuccessful work, as it turned out. Barely any fish made it to the bottom of the boat. Drawing toward the shore, they must have been amused by the stranger who told them to cast their nets once more. Either he thought they were fools or he believed they were idiots. Both may have been true since they decided to give it a shot. Of course, it worked. Whether from the weariness of the hour or the size of the haul, the men in the boat could not hoist the net. Realizing that there was only one person who would see fish where they saw none, Peter leapt from the ship and did not even bother walking on water but swam to shore.
Where he and his companions found food. Jesus had cooked for them: bread and fish. The offering was more than just sustenance; it was infused with his care in the preparation. They offered him fish from their catch. Whether he needed the fish or not, Jesus recognized the men’s need to give it. He accepted it from them, and accepted them at the quiet meal on that rocky beach. There were many things to say that went unsaid. Where to begin such a conversation with Jesus? “So. How ya’ doin’?” Jesus broke the silence.
“Peter, do you love me?” Awkward! Peter had just recently, at the time when Jesus needed friends the most, denied knowing him at all. A dark night to be sure. Was this, at last the dawn?
“Yes Lord.”
“Feed my sheep.”
Done! Totally done. Got it. Or maybe not.
“Do you love me?”
“Yes Lord!” Maybe if he said it with enough enthusiasm then Jesus would believe him.
“Feed my sheep.” Um, OK. I think I’m on top of it.
“Peter, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord, you know everything. You know I do.” I hope you know I do. I hope I do. What kind of a friend denies his friend at the worst time in his life. I’m such an asshole. How do I ever get over this?
“Feed my sheep.”