BRING THE FISH YOU CAUGHT

“Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

It was like telling the disciples: “Hey! Show me what you’ve got!”

While Jesus stood on the shore, obviously he was not asleep nor was he doing things for his own. He was actively watching and waiting just like a coach standing on the sideline during a game.

As a leader, Jesus knew when to ask questions, give direct instructions and let the disciples discover, collaborate and find creative ways to achieve their goals.

In the spiritual and emotional aspect, the goal of Jesus at that moment was for them to realize who he was and what he can do for them so that they will be comforted and not be afraid. This goal was achieved when the beloved disciple exclaimed to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

In the realistic aspect, the goal of the disciples was to catch fish so that they can have food to eat. Jesus did not disregard their need but helped them until they achieved it.

Right after the disciples followed his instruction, the net was filled with a large number of fish that they were not able to haul it. Right that moment, they realized who he was and Jesus gave them space to discover how they were going to bring the fish to the shore.

Jesus could have just let the fish jump to the shore to display his power and save the disciples the hassle of hauling them. Also, he could have gone to the boat and hauled the net himself while scoffing at the disciples’ inability.

But Jesus stood on the shore and waited. He knew that they can find ways to bring the fish to the shore. Certainly, they did as the other disciples followed in the boat to tow the net.

Genuine leaders are life coaches. They do not focus on their self actualization, fame and power because their interest is in the development of their member’s full potential by honing them into the best person they can be.

After a long night and day’s hard work, it was time for them to celebrate with the fish they caught.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” He didn’t actually need the fish that they caught since he already prepared the breakfast. But he wanted them to feel their accomplishment by seeing, feeling and actually eating the fish that they caught.

As a leader, Jesus did not take away their role on stage or their game inside the court but he took time to coach them until they successfully reached their goal. Further, he acknowledged their tangible achievements – the large fish, and left them with the feeling of success.

Genuine leaders celebrate the success of the members. They are willing to sacrifice their time and own convenience for the sake of the members.

What kind of a leader have you been in this time of crisis?

Stay tuned as we continue to find out more characteristics that are essential for a leader in times of crisis.

John 21: 6-14 New International Version (NIV)

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.