Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’” (John 21:5)
The Lord Jesus does not remain at a distance, merely watching. Although He does not immediately make Himself known, He does step forward and call out to the fishermen. He asks whether they have a fish for Him. Their answer is short: “No.” They are already so frustrated by their failed catch, and now they are confronted with it once again!
It almost seems cruel that Jesus would ask this question when He already knows they have come up empty-handed. But He deliberately brings their disappointment to the surface. The disciples must learn that apart from Jesus they can do nothing (John 15:5). Even in such an ordinary task, which they had carried out professionally and successfully for years, they need His help. How much more is that true of their task of catching people!
The Lord God does not expect us to convert others. We cannot “give” faith to anyone or force it upon them. We can share the gospel, we can talk with people and pray for them—but God Himself does the real work. Sometimes we are in danger of losing sight of that. Then we must learn again to be dependent on God and to trust Him.
How and when have you been confronted with your dependence—or independence—from God? What did you learn from that experience?
Image by Lumo Project Films – www.lumoproject.com.