Every Christian is a missionary. Christians need to be reminded to proclaim the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.” Yet, sometimes, we grow weary.
We’ve cast our nets many times through evangelism, outreach, and discipleship and still feel we have caught nothing.
In John 21, the disciples found themselves in a similar situation. After the resurrection, they went back fishing. Perhaps they were uncertain about their future, unsure of what to do next.
Peter said, “I am going fishing,” and the others joined him. But they caught nothing all night. Then, Jesus appeared on the shore and told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat.” When they obeyed, they caught 153 large fish, a very specific number.
Why 153? What does it mean? To answer this, we look into history. Around 177 AD, a poet named Oppian of Cilicia wrote Halieutica (“On Fishing”), an ancient treatise describing all known fish species at that time.
Later, Jerome, a Church Father, connected this with John 21:11 and said that the 153 fish symbolized the totality of all nations and peoples of the world. In other words, the disciples’ net was full because the Gospel was meant for all kinds of people.
The command of Jesus to “cast the net again” is not just about catching fish. It is about Mission.
We need to reach all, to include all, and to obey the Lord in faith even when the night has been long and empty.
First, remember the mission comes from Jesus.
In John 21:6 Jesus said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
In the first century, the Sea of Galilee was central to the livelihood of fishermen. The disciples, though skilled, failed to catch anything until Jesus commanded them.
His words reminded them that success in mission does not depend on human skill but on divine direction.
The mission begins with obedience. Many times, we attempt ministry our own way based on strategy, programs, or methods but the miracle happens only when we obey Jesus. The disciples caught fish because they obeyed the Lord’s timing and instruction.
Let us remember: mission is not our idea, it is God’s command. When we follow His direction, even the empty nets of our efforts can overflow with blessing.
Second, realize the mission is for all people.
Scripture: John 21:11 – “Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.”
The mission of the church is universal. There are no “small fish” or “undesirable fish” in the eyes of God. Every person matters. The Gospel does not discriminate.
Mission is not selective; it is inclusive. The Gospel net is strong enough for all. | NWI
