In his sermon on John 21:1–14, Lynn Kohler delves into the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The passage recounts how Peter and several disciples, returning to their familiar occupation of fishing, encounter a fruitless night. At dawn, an unrecognized Jesus instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Their subsequent catch is so bountiful that they struggle to haul it in.
The sermon emphasizes Jesus' sovereign control over nature and His compassionate provision for His followers. Kohler draws a parallel between this miraculous catch and an earlier instance when Jesus called Peter to be a "fisher of men." This repetition underscores Jesus' lordship over all creation and His intimate involvement in the lives of His disciples.
Kohler also highlights Peter's impulsive leap into the sea upon recognizing Jesus, symbolizing his eagerness to reconnect with his Lord despite past failures. The breakfast prepared by Jesus on the shore signifies fellowship and restoration, reinforcing that Jesus meets us where we are, providing both physical sustenance and spiritual renewal.
The sermon concludes that recognizing "It is the Lord" in our lives leads to a deeper understanding of His love and provision. It calls believers to trust in Jesus’ guidance and embrace the fellowship He offers, even in moments of uncertainty or perceived failure.
