In moments of uncertainty, when life feels like a tangled net with no clear direction, Jesus meets us with compassion and purpose. In John 21:1-14, we find the disciples in a state of confusion, unsure of their next steps after witnessing Jesus’ resurrection. This passage reveals a tender moment where Jesus not only addresses their uncertainty but also restores their strength and faith. Pastor Léveillé’s sermon, “When Jesus Meets You in Confusion,” reminds us that Christ cares deeply for us, not just for what we do, but for who we are. Through this message, we are invited to rest in His presence, trust in His provision, and find renewed purpose in His love.
Jesus Meets Us in Our Confusion (John 21:1-4)
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples found themselves in a state of bewilderment. Having followed Him for three years, witnessed His crucifixion, and seen Him risen, they were unsure of what lay ahead. In John 21:1-4, we read: “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.”
Simon Peter, perhaps wracked with guilt over his earlier denial of Christ, returned to what was familiar: fishing. This was not necessarily a step backward but a natural response to confusion. Sometimes, in our own uncertainty, we revert to old routines or comforts. Yet, Jesus meets us in these moments, not to condemn, but to gently draw our focus back to Him. The disciples toiled all night, catching nothing, only to find Jesus waiting on the shore at dawn. This echoes Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” In our seasons of confusion, Jesus is present, ready to guide us through.
Jesus Questions Our Emptiness (John 21:5)
As the disciples struggled with their empty nets, Jesus called out to them in verse 5: “Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.” The term “children” here is not condescending but an endearing expression, akin to a parent calling their child “kiddo.” The word “meat” refers to food, specifically something to eat with bread, indicating Jesus’ concern for their immediate needs. He was not asking about their success as fishermen or their plans for the market. Instead, He was asking, “Are you fed? Are your needs met?”
This question reveals Christ’s heart for His followers. He cares not only about our spiritual productivity but about the state of our souls. In our busyness, we often focus on what we must do for God, overlooking the importance of being nourished by Him. Jesus knows when we are running on empty, and He invites us to admit our need. The disciples’ honest response, “No,” opened the door for Jesus to provide. Likewise, when we confess our emptiness to Him, we allow His grace to fill us.
Jesus Turns Failure into Fruitfulness (John 21:6-8)
In verses 6-8, Jesus instructed the disciples: “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.”
This command to cast the net on the right side seemed illogical to seasoned fishermen. The boats they used were small, and moving the net a few feet seemed unlikely to make a difference. Yet, their simple act of obedience led to a miraculous catch, reminiscent of a similar event in Luke 5. The abundance of fish overwhelmed their nets, and John immediately recognized Jesus’ hand in it, declaring, “It is the Lord.” This moment teaches us that fruitfulness in our Christian walk comes not from new methods or personal effort but from renewed dependence on Christ. As Edward Kimball’s simple obedience led to the salvation of Dwight L. Moody and countless others, our small acts of trust can yield extraordinary results when guided by Jesus.
Jesus Feeds and Fellowships with the Weary (John 21:9-14)
When the disciples reached the shore, they found a scene of divine provision: “As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.”
Jesus had already prepared a fire with fish and bread, inviting the disciples to “come and dine.” The word “dine” specifically refers to breakfast, emphasizing the intimate, nurturing nature of this moment. He did not need their catch, yet He graciously allowed them to contribute, showing that while our efforts are welcomed, His provision is sufficient. This breakfast by the sea was a moment of restoration, particularly for Peter, who had once stood by a fire and denied Christ. Now, Jesus replaced that memory of guilt with one of grace and fellowship.
This passage reminds us that before Jesus calls us to serve, He invites us to sit with Him, to be refreshed and renewed. He does not demand our performance but desires our presence. As Alexander McLaren wrote, Christ stands on the shore, offering rest to the weary. Whether we are exhausted from trials or discouraged by unmet expectations, Jesus sees us not as failed fishermen but as beloved children, ready to be filled with His love and strength.
Conclusion
The story of John 21:1-14 is a comforting reminder that Jesus meets us in our confusion, cares about our emptiness, turns our failures into fruitfulness, and invites us to fellowship with Him. Before He sends us out to do great things, He calls us to “come and dine,” ensuring our souls are nourished. If you are in a season of uncertainty, take heart. Jesus is on the shore, waiting to restore you with His love and grace. Let us rest in His presence, trust in His provision, and obey His gentle call, knowing that He cares for us deeply.
