We understand the meaning of the phrase ‘when the penny drops’ as being a moment of sudden realisation – a new way of seeing. Our latest Whirlow blog reflects on a story from the apostle John, on how we might see Christ and understand his call to love others in our day to day lives. We are invited to respond…
In this story, Jesus appears to his disciples early one morning. It is the third time he has appeared since his resurrection from the dead. We paraphrase part of the story below. You can read the full passage here.
“The disciples are going about their normal lives as fisherman. They have been working all night, but their nets are empty. At daybreak, a man standing on the beach tells them:
‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some fish.’
This time, when they cast their nets, there are so many fish they struggle to haul them in. And in this moment, the apostle John says to Simon Peter:
‘It is the Lord!’
Simon Peter grabs some clothes, jumps into the water and hurries towards the shore ahead of the others.
Once on the shore, the disciples see that the man has lit a charcoal fire to cook some fish and has also brought bread to eat with it. He suggests that they fetch some of their surprise catch to cook, then says:
‘Come and have breakfast’.
None of the disciples dares to ask the man who he is – for they suddenly realise that it is the Lord.
Jesus then takes the bread and fish and serves it to them for breakfast.”
Stay with this first part of the passage for a moment if you like. Can you imagine being on the beach that day with the apostles – the sound of water lapping against the boats, nets being hauled across the sand, the smell of fish cooking on the charcoal fire?
How might it feel to be invited to breakfast by Jesus after a long and fruitless time of searching in your own life?
These disciples are going about their normal business as fishermen. They are also living with the enormous reality that their Lord has been unjustly crucified, though some have seen and witnessed his reappearance after his death. There may have been previous times when they caught no fish, but they are prepared to try again – and this time find their net bursting with fish. The penny suddenly drops that this man cooking their breakfast is Jesus!
Can you recall a transformational moment in your own life – maybe a moment after a time of struggle – which made you stop and see things in a different light?
In the second part of this passage, when they have finished eating breakfast, Jesus asks Simon Peter three times if he loves him. He then asks him to ‘feed his sheep’.
This must have resonated deeply. Simon Peter, when challenged by the crowds after Jesus’ arrest, had denied knowing him. Not just once, but three times.
There are times we have all sinned and gone our own way, but God’s love and mercy are boundless. He doesn’t leave us to wander without direction. Just as he directs Simon Peter to ‘feed his sheep’ in this Gospel scene, so Jesus calls us to witness to others today, to tend and nurture them – to be a carrier of Christ’s love and faith to the world.
Where might you see Christ as you go about your normal daily chores and routines?
How might you practice forgiveness, as Christ forgave Simon Peter that day on the shore?
From a group of fishermen going about their normal lives, to a moment of transformation – when ‘the penny drops’ – to being told what to do in the name of love and service. This Gospel story leaves us lots to ponder on.
If you like, spend some time re-reading this story and reflecting on transformational moments of grace experienced in your own life.
This piece of music celebrates the marvelous realisation that Christ is risen – and that he reigns now and forever!