ODJ: no condemnation
November 5, 2011
Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish (v.13).
READ: John 21:1-23
As an avid angler, I find the stories of Jesus and fishing particularly compelling. In one account, along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus appeared to His disciples for the third time following His resurrection (John 21:1-23). Similar to the time they had first met the Master (Luke 5:1-11), they had caught nothing after a frustrating night of fishing. Then Jesus showed up. He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and the “haul” was humongous! (John 21:6).
What a great story. The men had simply gone fishing—perhaps to clear their heads after the staggering events of the past couple of weeks. The days had been difficult. For the Man they had given up everything to follow had been arrested, tortured, and executed. Then, before they knew it, He was alive! So now what?!
I love the way Jesus meets them where they are—without condemnation. Jesus didn’t grill them for wasting time fishing on the Sea of Galilee, even though He had spent 3 years training them to fish for people (Luke 5:10). Instead, He asked what most curious onlookers ask fishermen—“Caught any?” (John 21:5). He then immediately offered a fishing tip that led to their second catch-of-a-lifetime. He even cooked up some fish and bread for breakfast (v.9).
Jesus had some important and challenging matters to discuss with His men that morning. He especially needed to address Peter, for he had denied knowing Jesus three times the night before He was crucified. Jesus reaffirmed their friendship. In spite of all that happened, He wanted them to know that He loved and cared for them.
Noncondemning friendships—that’s one of Jesus’ most enduring trademarks. It’s how He relates to any of us who drift off course. And, whenever possible, it’s how He calls us to relate to others. —Jeff Olson
In what ways do you struggle with having noncondemning friendships? How does Jesus’ example challenge you to be kinder and less condemning?
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