The other followers went to shore in the boat. They pulled the net full of fish. They were not very far from shore, only about 100 yards. When the followers stepped out of the boat and onto the shore, they saw a fire of hot coals. There were fish on the fire and some bread there too. Then Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish that you caught." Simon Peter went into the boat and pulled the net to the shore. It was full of big fish. There were 153. The fish {were very heavy}, but the net did not tear.
— John 21:8-11 NLT
Key Thought
I'm one of the others, aren't you? In the Kingdom of God, work gets done because there are two types of servants. Some servants of God are superstars—they are bold, extravagant, and talented and do what many of us would like to do, yet they do it to serve the King of Glory. Some servants are also like the others in this story—they do the tedious, hard, difficult jobs that get taken for granted while the superstars get all the notice. Jesus will confront the "superstar" Peter in this story and gently humbles him as he challenges him to direct his leadership to be more pastoral, more encouraging and less self-aggrandizing. But, it takes both types in the Kingdom for great work to get done. We need passionate and bold out front people and we need hardworking behind the scenes people if the lost of the world are going to be brought safely home. Whichever kind of person you tend to be, please know you are needed, wanted, and vital for the work of the Kingdom!
Today's Prayer
Father, I offer myself, my talents, my gifts, my treasure, my time, and my future to you. Please use me to your glory and the benefit of your Kingdom. Take my personality and my interests and use them effectively. Take my job and my hobbies and use them as tools to influence others. I want to be used by you in work that matters to others eternally. In Jesus name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
- Ephesians 4:4-7, 11-13
- Romans 12:6-8
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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