Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. John 21:1-4

The fishermen were just chomping at the bit to get back to work. At this point it seems like they’re going to go on to live normal, moral lives. But God had something much more important for them.

It’s interesting that these professional fishermen caught nothing that night. I’m not sure how normal that was back then but it would be juxtaposed alongside the great number of fish that Jesus told them to go out and catch. They were probably emotionally and physically tired, and clearly not on their “A” game. I’m sure the events of the week are still ringing in their heads, and while they went fishing to try to get their minds off it, this “it” would be their new life.

We’ve all had these kinds of week, when we’re not at our best, when we’re exhausted at what we’ve been through, and wrestling with heady issues.

Jesus is on the shore waiting. You may not recognize him but it’s him. And he’s waiting for you…and me.