Cast That Net!
A fisherman once told me, “make sure you cast your net as wide as you can!” I thought that was rather obvious, but it is easier said than done. I think this is what is going on in this passage. Jesus is wanting his disciples to cast a wide net.
Did you ever think it strange that John records for us how many fish the disciples brought to shore that day - all with an unbroken net (Jn 21:11)? He records 153; not 152 or 154 but 153! Is it merely coincidence that several ancient historians of that period have noted that there were 153 different types of fish in the Sea of Galilee. Amazing! The resurrected Lord, on the eve of the Great Commission calling, tells them to cast their net and they end up with one of every species of fish in the water. Could the Lord be any clearer. No one is to be excluded from the Gospel offer, no one. The Gospel net is big enough to bring anybody, from any group, safely to shore without breaking! Therefore, remember that the Lord’s net is big enough to handle your rebellious teen or friend, your neighbor down the street, your materialistic business partner or that homeless person at the stoplight. This is the food that fuels you (Jn 21:12). So cast that net as wide as you can!
Created over 1 year ago
