Jesus enters our daily lives. Jesus, risen from death, enters our lives with love and great patience for us, who often do not recognize him. This is a Daily Devotional for the Third Sunday of Easter.
Daily Devotional for the Third Sunday of Easter
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (full text at John 21:1-19)
Without Jesus, Your Hands Are Empty
Jesus stands on the shore and enters the disciples’ daily lives, which are just getting off to a less-than-successful start. Nothing caught, nothing earned. “Children, have you nothing to eat?” he asks sympathetically.
Jesus sees the disciples’ needs and failures. With empty hands and empty nets, the disciples stand there. Jesus stands on the shore, but “the disciples did not know it was Jesus.” These disciples did not understand many things from the beginning; they had to be explained two or three times. They did not recognize Jesus.
Never-Ending Worries Do Not Recognize Jesus
Sometimes, we think it would never happen to us! How is it possible not to recognize Jesus?
But is it? We know from experience that it is often not as simple as it first appears. You are stuck in your daily routine. You’ve barely made a phone call, visited the doctor, go to the bank, and the authorities are already asking you for new documents—the never-ending worry about how to meet basic needs.
Added to that is the sadness of being alone, the realization that when you “don’t have time,” you are lonely.
Jesus Enters our Daily Lives
In such situations, being aware of one’s surroundings is often challenging because one is involved in one’s daily routine. However, Jesus enters into the daily life of the disciples and our daily lives. He enters imperceptibly but with all His majesty and power. His power is manifest and can be experienced.
Full net and no power!
At that moment, the disciples realize who the man on the shore is. Standing on the beach is Jesus, their Lord. The Lord has made them part of the miracle. He alone filled their nets.
Jesus is standing on the shore. Jesus also enters our daily lives, sometimes quietly and gradually, sometimes with full force and clarity. Do we expect to meet Jesus based on what we do and how we behave daily?
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and incredible patience toward us. We want to please You and honor You as Your children. Teach and empower us to be patient with others, as You have always been extremely patient with us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
