Fishing With Jesus

By: Kari Vo
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March 27, 2025

"Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, 'Children, do you have any fish?' They answered Him, 'No.' He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.' So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. ... When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it." (John 21:4-6, 9 ESV)

The disciples were probably antsy, waiting for Jesus. Why not go fishing? But they had no luck until the next morning when Jesus came to them. Under His direction, they caught a huge amount of fish.

But when He said, "Come and have breakfast," they found that Jesus had some fish already.

What is all this about fish? In Jesus' parables, fish represent the people He came into the world to save—the ones He suffered, died, and rose again for, so they might live in peace and joy, being children of God forever. And now He is sending out the disciples—and us!—to go fishing for the lost people He so desperately wants to bring home.

But we can't do it alone. Jesus has to guide us, or we'll never find them. And even when we do have a wonderful catch, there are still people He has caught for Himself, and we have no idea how or when. Does it matter? Our dear Lord and Savior does everything well—and gives us the privilege of being involved in His mission!

We Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for catching me to be Your own. Use me in Your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions:
* Do you like fishing? Why or why not?
* What makes fishing for people different from fishing for fish?
* How did you come to know Jesus and trust in Him?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on April 1, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights

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