Is there anybody – anyone – who in some sense – is not broken?
I think brokenness is something “most people” can relate to.
Certainly our gospel text for today speaks to our brokenness…and not only to “our brokenness,” but to people in every time and in every place.
Brokenness happens.
Sometimes I get the feeling that “brokenness” is used instead of the word “sinfulness.” Because people are sick and tired of hearing about their sinfulness. We know we are sinners. Not all of us are willing to admit our “brokenness.”
I think the two are essentially the same thing – we are in need of being “fixed” or we are in need of being “saved.” We are in need of being “made whole.” We have all missed the mark…and come up short! It comes down to a matter of semantics.
I know, speaking for myself, I would rather be “saved.”
Our text also seems to speak on some level to “disappointment.” We get disappointed in ourselves. We also get disappointed in others. I am not sure “who” we point the finger “at more” ourselves, or others? I suspect we are probably “harder” on ourselves.
I would imagine Simon-Peter was pretty hard on himself.
How he must have replayed the night of Jesus’ arrest and trial – over and over and over again in his mind. Why did he say the things he said? Why did he do the things he did?
How could he live with himself – for the denial of his best friend, mentor, teacher and Lord?
He was impetuous for sure, but he had been warned. He knew it was coming. He said he would never – ever do it. And yet, he did! When push came to shove…he cowered.
The Gospel writer, John, tells us plainly that this is now the third time that the Risen and victorious Jesus appeared to his disciples.
The first two times, there was no mention of Peter’s denial. But for Peter it was like “the elephant in the room.” It was hard to miss. Everyone knew it was there. It hung over his head. And yet no one said a word. He lucked out!
And now, Jesus appears a third time. Three times for emphasis sake. Three times so you do not forget. Three times so that you remember.
It’s pretty easy to come down hard on old Peter. He makes the decision to go back to fishing. He makes the decision to go back to what is known and comfortable.
How do you go back to fishing when the Lord is alive? How do you go back to fishing when the Lord has been resurrected? How do you go back to fishing when Jesus-himself has appeared two times before you?
And yet, Peter does.
And unfortunately, others follow him.
To his credit, these were confusing circumstances. No one knew quite what to do or what was expected of them. So, Peter chose to fish.
This time as I read the text – I was reminded of another time when Jesus called to fishermen in their boat.
I was also reminded of another time when Simon Peter emerged from the waters, drenched and wringing wet with not quite enough faith.
I was reminded too, of Peter standing by a different charcoal fire warming himself.
I was reminded of a time in the not so distant past when Jesus took bread and broke it in their presence.
But perhaps what is “most outstanding” is…what “I like,” what I “really appreciate” about this text – is how the “Lord of life” comes to us in our brokenness. He comes to us in our confusion. He comes to us in our disappointment. He comes to us, as we are. All of a sudden – 6 other disciples seemingly fade away somewhere into the background…and the narrative is about Jesus and Peter (alone.)
Jesus seems interested in helping Peter to somehow and in some way move forward…
Jesus is concerned that all the confusion and disappointment come to an end…or at very least, to move past it.
There is work to be done…mission and ministry lies ahead. None of them are finished yet.
Even in our brokenness, even in our sinfulness God still loves, uses, embraces, needs, seeks and wants us. Someone other than me has written, “None of us escapes this life unbroken.”
We all have scars, bumps, bruises, hurts, pains, disappointments and imperfections.
God our God, is with us, present for us, even in our brokenness.