BEFORE THE LORD LEFT THIS EARTH, HE HAD TO RECALL HIS APOSTLES BACK TO HIS MINISTRY FROM A FISHING TRIP.

1. History has found this chapter a sparkling gem in a rare and beautiful setting- so human & alive
2. It has a personal application to every man & woman- a message that cannot be forgotten
3. We are so prone to forget the Lord's call, and go back to the wrong kind of fishing- of flesh

We forget His wonderful Salvation, His guidance, & His call- to return to our old ways!

I.- SIMON PETER SAID "LET'S GO FISHING" John 21:3

This passage more than any other shows that the Apostles were plain men, just like ourselves

A.- THE PROPOSAL OF JESUS TO SIMON PETER WAS THAT HE SHOULD BECOME A FISHERMAN OF MEN- Matt 4:19

1. As Peter was working at his living (recreation for some) he knew the hard work of fishermen
2. Jesus came by- He had met Peter and Andrew earlier John 1:40- and they knew Him from John the Baptist
3. Jesus called these men to be "fishers of men" - to save men from lake of fire- Keys to life

B.- THE PROPOSAL OF SIMON PETER IN John 21:3 WAS A REVERSAL OF THIS SPECIAL CALLING OF THE LORD

1. The Greek verb tense has a way of showing- I'm going back to fishing- my former life & job
2. The three years with Jesus were exciting, but the Lord was now gone, Resurrection visits rare
3. Peter was willing to throw away all that the Lord had done, & return as though He had not been.

C.- THE PROPOSAL OF THE OTHER DISCIPLES -John 21:3b "WE ALSO GO WITH THEE" WAS PLAIN & FLESHLY

1. The despair and loneliness of being without the physical presence of Christ was felt- they fell
2. The first time one deserted the Lord, they all ran; when one returned to old job- they all did
3. But while they were adrift on the Sea, the Lord controlled the fish- and the waves - they caught none

In our weakness we take sides- had I been the Lord, I would have made them sea-sick too!

II.- JOHN THE BELOVED SAID "IT IS THE LORD!" John 21:7

Thank God for someone who can see through the fog- and is not afraid to shout his opinion-

A.- IT WAS JOHN, THE BELOVED, THE ONE WITH THE DEEP SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT, EAGLE EYE TO SEE JESUS

1. He called himself the disciple whom Jesus loved- and love has a special way of recognition
2. The early morning fog, the discouragement, even disobedience could not dim Love's eye
3. After v.5,6 they all should have known- why not? I guess they were sulking guilty,

B.- IT WAS PETER WHO DOVE INTO THE SEA AND SWAM TO THE SHORE SO EAGAR TO BRING HIMSELF TO THE LORD 7b

1. What he lacked in clothing, insight, & wisdom- he made up in lionlike boldness-direct action
2. He had a reckless enthusiasm- nothing could hold him back, he took action that inspired others
3. But I see him as a selfish rascal who deserted his comrades- left his post of duty,-in swim

C.- THE OTHER DISCIPLES WERE THE ONES TO BRING IN THE NET FULL OF FISH, AND DO THE WORK v.8

1. No matter how spiritual or idealistic you might be, someone has to do the work!  Hard drudgery
2. No matter how far the Eagle sees, or the Lion runs- someone has to stay with the task- work
3. Their practical ability, sincerity, nobility in getting a job done- Thank God for workmen!

It takes all kinds of people to do the Lord's work- many offices, & none offices- all for the Lord

III.- JESUS THE LORD SAID "COME AND DINE " John 21:12

The Lord is very practical indeed.  His love is not just a mystical dream- it is real- & nourishing

A.- FIRST THE LORD TOLD THEM TO CAST THEIR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SHIP - V.6 -Luke 5:4

1. He had so helped them before, and I am amazed at the graciousness of the Lord- to you too!
2. If they were going fishing- He still had a blessing for them- help in success-if obedient
3. When they obeyed- a net full of fish- counted 153 v.11 and even Peter helped pull net ashore

B.- JESUS SAID TO THEM "COME AND DINE" AND NONE OF THE DISCIPLES DARED ASK HIM ANY QUESTIONS v12

1. Though they deserved discipline- He had made a wonderful breakfast for them- provision for us
2. When we gather -in church- He invites us to dine on His Word- & knows what we need -Listen
3. The breakfast gives nourishment- the power to serve!  Let Him feed you,- then rise up to serve

C.- THE LORD WANTS US TO GO FISHING TOO, BUT WHICH WAY WILL IT BE? GREATEST HARVEST BEFORE US

1. This is your church- what it becomes is up to you! -I am but one, I want to fish for Souls ?  You?
2. Will you have the vision?  Try the Water?  Bring in a boat load of fish? -(less gas to win souls)
3. Some complain about not enough people- $$- So Matt 17:27- Like Peter- go fishing & get Coin

Our age is more wide open for your testimony than ever before- Will you go fishing for the Lord?

WHETHER OR NOT YOU FISH FOR SOULS DEPENDS UPON HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THE LORD - "LOVEST THOU ME?"

1. If you have never received Christ as Savior- do so now, or be just another poor fish
2. But if you know Christ- He called you to serve Him- Your own personality- but fish for men
3. There are many ways to be a soulwinner as ways to fish- use your imagination- Lord will bless