“Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to 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 there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast. Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:4-14

{“While in the men’s room at a beachside park, I noticed they had a plastic baby-changing table installed on the wall. Apparently, some sportsmen had co-opted this politically correct amenity for their own use. Above the table was a sign saying: “It is unlawful to clean fish on this table.”} (Cliff Revell)

This past fall, while fishing in Canada, my friend had a fourteen inch Northern Pike on his line, and as he brought it near the boat, suddenly a much larger fish swam by eyeing up that small pike. My friend instinctively kept his line in the water, and soon enough, the much larger Muskie came and swallowed his pike. It was thrilling to watch my friend catch such a large fish, and it took a lot of muscle to bring such a large catch into the boat. We did not keep this fish, for it was not long enough to keep.  

One of the more obscure Resurrection stories we have is the one depicted in John 21. The Gospel of John appears to end in the 20^th chapter, where the author states that Jesus did many other signs that were not listed in his Gospel account. But then it continues with a third resurrection appearance – and it is not a miraculous appearance – like his sudden appearance in the Upper room. This is a mundane story about fishing – and eating – and a continuing of their calling. The question on the minds of the disciples most likely was something like “What are we going to do now?” Peter tells the others he is going fishing – perhaps an attempt to return to his old life. But Jesus is not having any of that. Jesus will go on to tell Peter to tend the flock – to continue the work begun by Jesus. It can be fun to go fishing for fish – and it can be frustrating to go fishing for people. Each has its challenges and rewards. I believe this is what Jesus is telling his disciples: You will have times where you succeed at each in great abundance – you will have times where you fail in spectacular ways. And yet, Jesus is with us in both the abundance and in the scarcity. Can we learn to press on in both circumstances – press on with the love, mercy and Grace of Jesus trusting G-d to provide the result?

Pastor Dave

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.” Mark 1:21-28

“First events give insight into the larger themes and, particularly, a distinct understanding of Jesus’ mission and character in each of the Gospels. In Matthew, Jesus is a teacher and (new) lawgiver like Moses. In John, he creates unexpected and unimaginable abundance. In Luke, he is the one who releases those held captive, heals the ill and infirm, and proclaims good news to the poor and the Lord’s favor to all. And in Mark…he picks a fight with an unclean spirit.

Mark’s Gospel, that is, starts with a confrontation. Whatever dramatic value beginning with a fight scene might initially promise, however, there is little doubt of who will win this showdown. The spirit protests Jesus’ very presence, and Jesus casts him away with a command as authoritative as it is succinct. And because of Jesus’ bold teaching and power over this spirit of oppression, his fame spreads quickly. Keeping in mind the importance of first events, we can read this scene as Mark’s signal that Jesus has come to oppose all the forces that keep the children of God from the abundant life God desires for all of us. And that message matters because it is still the case: God wants the most for us from this life and stands in opposition to anything that robs us of the joy and community and purpose for which we were created.” (First Things First, David Lose, …in the meantime website, January 26, 2015)

Jesus came into the world to set the world ablaze with the spirit, and his teachings were radical – love your enemies – turn the other cheek – you know, teachings that the people of his day had not heard before – Blessed are you who are poor – blessed are you who are hungry – blessed are you who mourn – blessed are you when people hate you and revile you on account of the Son of Man – the first shall be last – take the seat at the back of the table, not at the front.  But his teachings have authority because they have the authority, a personal authority from G-d to heal.

Maybe that is why the man with the unclean spirit is there as well.  He knows who Jesus is, though the others clearly do not – even his own disciples will struggle with who this “Rabbi”, who this teacher is.  The demon spirit knows that Jesus is the “Holy One of G-d” – Jesus is G-d.  And Jesus heals him.

Look, we all have come today with some “unclean” spirits clinging to us – hanging onto us, or we to them.  And these unclean spirits carry authority over us taking away our trust in G-d because we grant them that authority – taking away our ability to put complete trust and faith in Jesus who has the authority, because he is G-d’s only Son.  And he comes to us again, and again, and again through the Word of G-d and the Sacraments to cleanse us again and again through the waters of our baptisms – and the table that nourishes and strengthens us.

My friends come to the table – you who mourn, you who feel reviled, you who feel unclean, unwanted, unloved – come.  Listen to Jesus Christ – your sins are forgiven – hear the words of the Lord that carry the power to heal and to love – be amazed at the inclusivity of his teaching – let is confound you, let it astound you – let it change your life – Come, be healed, and be made clean.

Pastor Dave