How do you see Jesus?

"After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself this way" John 21:1.

We are in the time between Easter and Pentecost (Acts 2). Jesus is, as it were, making his rounds. For 40 days, Jesus will appear, interact with individuals and then be on his way. One of the most famous post resurrection appearances is his appearance to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-32).

Often it is difficult for those who encounter the resurrected Jesus to recognize him. No doubt they weren't expecting him to stop by. We don't typically encounter the people we bury a few days later. But encounter him they did! However, they don't recognize him until he is revealed as he was to the Emmaus disciples.

In John Chapter 21, after the crucifixion and resurrection, Peter and the disciples return to their former lifestyles, although they had witnessed the resurrection on third day. Of course, they were filled with awe in seeing Jesus but what is there to do? If you talk about it, who will believe you and besides the authorities would not be happy. Jesus is gone, well not really, but He is not there to guide them. It is not as if they are hanging out like old times. What to do? So, they return to the former lives, fishing (John 21:3a).

Now we can relate to that. It's spring, the lakes and rivers are thawed, the fishing boats and rafts are out. Why not go fishing? Spring is here, the winter malaise is past! What else can you but do go fishing.

But Jesus is not recognized by normal means "and he showed himself this way" John 21:1a. Jesus went fishing. You see the professional fishermen caught nothing (John 21:3b). You can relate to that. So, Jesus said try the other side of the boat. Oh, great advice! You can relate to that too.

They did what Jesus said and cast to the right side of the boat and "now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish" (John 21:6b). Then Jesus was recognized! "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7a)

The post-resurrection stories are a wonderful reminder of how do we "see" Jesus. Do we see him as a child who looks longingly into his soft eyes? Resigned to his loving embrace, snuggled in his tender arms? Or does Jesus have to "fit" some how in the way we view our lives. Does he have to be a Democrat or Republican? Does he have to be a Capitalist or Socialist? Does he have to be "tame" so we can control him?

During this time between Easter and Pentecost (June 5), We are reminded that Jesus is not tame. That he comes to use in ways it might be difficult for us to see. He is there, on the cross, he is here with the suffering and dying, he is there with the lost, the lonely and yes, the smug and self-righteous, those of us who trust in our wealth, possessions, status.

Yes, Jesus is with those of us who have no need of him. He shows himself in this way.