As an avid angler, I find the stories of Jesus and fishing particularly compelling. In one account, along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus appeared to His disciples for the third time following His resurrection (John 21:1-23). Similar to the time they had first met the Master (Luke 5:1-11), they had caught nothing after a frustrating night of fishing. Then Jesus showed up. He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and the “haul” was humongous! (John 21:6).
What a great story. The men had simply gone fishing—perhaps to clear their heads after the staggering events of the past couple of weeks. The days had been difficult. For the Man they had given up everything to follow had been arrested, tortured, and executed. Then, before they knew it, He was alive! So now what?!
I love the way Jesus meets them where they are—without condemnation. Jesus didn’t grill them for wasting time fishing on the Sea of Galilee, even though He had spent 3 years training them to fish for people (Luke 5:10). Instead, He asked what most curious onlookers ask fishermen—“Caught any?” (John 21:5). He then immediately offered a fishing tip that led to their second catch-of-a-lifetime. He even cooked up some fish and bread for breakfast (John 21:9).
Jesus had some important and challenging matters to discuss with His men that morning. He especially needed to address Peter, for he had denied knowing Jesus three times the night before He was crucified. Jesus reaffirmed their friendship. In spite of all that happened, He wanted them to know that He loved and cared for them.
Non-condemning friendships—that’s one of Jesus’ most enduring trademarks. It’s how He relates to any of us who drift off course. And, whenever possible, it’s how He calls us to relate to others.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 19:1-20
More:
Notice how Paul emphasizes that it’s God’s kindness (not condemnation) that turns people in the right direction (Romans 2:1-4).
Next:
In what ways do you struggle with having non-condemning friendships? How does Jesus’ example challenge you to be kinder and less condemning?
jstabel on November 5, 2011 at 1:56 am
My present environment is surrounded with prostitutes and I have “succeeded” in staying away from them but just two days ago,left in the lift alone with one I was “conditioned” into a discussion with her,though it was brief but yesterday we met again in the same lift alone and this time it was a longer discussion and w had not talked much before she mentioned about the second coming o Christ and I was taken aback and now am longing to get closer to her and find out more about her.
The door is open for all that care to find it…who justifies and who condemns…Jesus alone has that right and if HE chose to justify why should we condemn?
dr.lightsey on November 5, 2011 at 9:10 am
Great post, Jeff. A simple question is, “In what condition were each of us before we accepted Christ as Savior and Lord?” We were in a “spiritually condemned” condition. But God, Who is rich in grace and mercy looked beyond our faults and saw our needs. I’ve learned (and am yet reminded) to see others as what God can make them and not as how satan has influenced them. God can save and use anyone for the work of the kingdom. I’m a witness. To God be the glory!
GChoo on November 5, 2011 at 11:21 am
Jeff, thanks for reminding us of God’s grace and mercy on us.
It is so easy for us to look at some people through colored eye glasses. We assume all prostitutes are in the job for the love of money and fat people who overeat because of the love of food. We may not have realised that behind their job and the unsightly physical look, there is a sad personal story behind it. Their childhood lives may have been abusive (sexually or physical), neglect or broken family. They find themselves useless, unworthy, unloved, confused and etc. Some of us are very fortunate not to be in these kind of circumstances, and it is hard to understand how they feel.
We can only pray that God will help us to learn to be like HIm – to have a non condemning and kind heart to witness for God despite of their profession, their race, their culture and circumstance. May we ask God for wisdom and discernment too. I am grateful for God’s grace and mercy.
bearpair on November 5, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Thanks, Jeff, for these excellent reminders of where our hearts & minds should be in dealing with our brothers & sisters in the faith! Have always loved this passage. A favorite verse, along the same lines, from the pen of Paul to the Ephesians (1.6): “to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved…” Terry & Pat, WA
rickmorganwwjd on November 7, 2011 at 11:04 am
Just like Jesus said in John 3:16-17!
mike wittmer on November 8, 2011 at 11:03 am
What a great story! I love how Jesus took the time to make breakfast–there is a valuable lesson there for us who think such jobs are beneath us–and who quickly pile on Martha for her busy hospitality.