THE RISEN CHRIST'S CHALLENGE
The appearance of the Risen Christ to the disciples, while they were fishing in the Sea of Tiberias, recorded in John 21 reveals four important characteristics of Christ.
1. The Confronting Christ:
Following Jesus' death & resurrection, his disciples went back to fishing. They thought their 'contract' with Christ was over. But then, as day was breaking, while it was still dark, they saw a man on the beach calling out to them.
This is the case with us too. When Jesus feels that we are going off course, He confronts us with His Word.
2. The Caring Christ:
He called out to the disciples asking, "Children, have you any food?"
Jesus Christ is always there to care for us. Even if the whole world has written us off, we are always held in high-priority in His list.
3. The CONTROLLING CHRIST:
"No.", replied the disciples. They had fished all night & caught nothing. Jesus told them, "Cast your net on the right side of the boat." The disciples did so. Their obedience produced quick results. An instant whopping catch of 153 large fish was a burden for them to pull ashore!
Where did those fish come from? The whole night, there weren't any fish in those waters. But Jesus Christ exercised His dominion over nature. He had earlier mentioned, "I have overcome the world."
We humans, somehow lose control over every situation in our lives. In such circumstances, it is better to let Jesus handle them. All we have to do is just believe that He Has the power, and obey His Commands, written in the Bible.
4. The claiming christ:
The disciple, John, was quick to realise that it was only Jesus Christ who could have that authority. Immediately he said to Peter, "It is the Lord!"
The word "Lord" means "one who has general authority over someone else." It means more than a boss, or master! When Jesus Christ is our Lord, we are accountable to Him for everything that we think, speak or do. Thus, our entire being is claimed by Christ!