“Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.”
John 21:7 (NLT)
This is the second miraculous catch of fish in the Gospels. The first called the disciples into ministry. This one restores them to it. Jesus is standing on the shore, unrecognized, giving instruction that only He could give. When the nets fill beyond reason, John knows immediately. No one else is that wise. No one else loves like that. No one else shepherds hearts that well. So John says what his heart already knows: It’s the Lord.
Peter reacts differently. John recognizes first, but Peter moves first. He doesn’t cling to the blessing. He doesn’t secure the nets. He trusts the others with the abundance and swims straight to Jesus. There may be conviction in that jump. Peter isn’t where he’s supposed to be. He’s not feeding sheep or fishing for men—he’s operating out of an old identity. But like baptism, when he comes up out of the water, he’s restored. Washed. Made new.
Peter is blessed by the catch, but he lets it go to be with Jesus. Blessing isn’t the point—Jesus is. The gifts are meant to draw us closer, not distract us into chasing more. That’s why generosity forms us. It teaches our hearts what matters most.
This miracle also happens where fish aren’t supposed to be—close to shore. The first happened at the wrong time but in deep water. This one happens in the wrong place but at the right moment. When and where don’t limit God. He blesses however He wants, whenever He wants, through whomever He chooses.
Today, I want Peter’s boldness. When I recognize Jesus is near—and I’m not where I’m supposed to be—I want the courage to leave what’s in my hands and swim toward Him. To repent. To be close. To choose Him again.