A few weeks had passed since Jesus had last appeared to the disciples and shown Thomas His wounds. The inactivity and the fear of the unknown weighed heavily on Peter's shoulders. Finally he had had enough and he announced to the gathered disciples that he was going fishing. For lack of something better to do, the rest of the disciples went too. After a night of fruitless effort a man appeared on the shore and told them to try the other side. Of course the nets were full to overflowing and they realized that it was Jesus on the shore.
After feeding them, Jesus called Peter aside and asked him this question, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" More than what? More than the disciples---maybe, but I think Jesus had something else in mind. I think Jesus was referring to the boats and nets and fish scattered on the beach. You see Peter's faith had begun to waver and when faced with difficulties and his response was to return to what he was before he met Jesus. This is a common response, when we are suddenly faced with trials we revert to our old ways. We go back to where we are comfortable.
Will Jesus have to wave you in from a fishing boat or maybe off the corporate jet and ask you, "Simon (or whomever) do you love me more than these?"
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