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The framework and theology in practice for teaching, speaking, coaching, consulting, and healing services use the HEALTH method for optimal client success:
This acronym HEALTH stands for HAPPY, ENGAGE, ADAPT, LOVE, THANK, HELP.
Through this framework of transformation, we will begin to look at:
Here’s a Taste of Me Preaching on John 21 at Memorial Church
It is good to be here delivering this sermon today on the Monday after Palm Sunday, to kick off holy week, a very holy week indeed! Praise be the Father, Praise be the Son, Praise be the spirit, a whole holy three in one!
Today I will be teaching on John 21: 1-14
I need to admit that selecting this scripture initially was incredibly challenging in my mind. You see, being a vegan chef and activist made this passage on fishing a bit conflicted for me. That is, until the clarity finally came by what was actually meant by this story, and what has been withheld and even changed about it. This is a very well-known scripture as it's one of Jesus’ great many miracles performed, but this time occurs just days right after his crucifixion.
I'll begin with John 21:5 “Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any fish?’” Jesus calls the Apostles “children” and the fact that this seems so out of the place means therefore God’s message might not be obvious on the surface level.
This story is Jesus sharing how he will fulfill His mission. The 7 Apostles here, who encounter Christ, somehow acquire all they need to fulfill their role in leading the Church now that Jesus will be shortly ascend into heaven. In this passage they must transition from being like children and without wisdom, symbolized by having empty nets, to acquiring all the wisdom they need. This is symbolized by having their nets filled to overflowing. Therefore, the consistency of the analogy leads us to the conclusion that what filled their nets must symbolize this wisdom they needed to acquire. So what’s the catch, you might ask? I’m so glad you did! Let’s get into it!
What they caught, exactly, was 153 fish. 153 – that’s awfully specific, and looking deeper, this is not for no reason. 153 is what is known as the Vesica Piscis. The measure of a fish in Pythagorean mathematics, which is a triangular number with a derivative of 3, is 153. Thus, what I discovered in my vegan relief over this symbolic story is that this miracle is a clever and culturally fitting foretelling of today, precisely, the number of nations in the world in the New Creation is 153. The world that God called old Israel to minister to was large—70 nations. The new world that is going to come into the New Creation is even larger—153 nations. 153 Fish symbolizes the wisdom of the gospel going to all the nations.
Also, the number 153 is the numerical total for the Hebrew words "Ani Elohim"--I AM G-D. When Jesus caused the disciples to catch exactly 153 fish, He was declaring to them that not only was He the Son of G-d, but that He was God Himself.
In Biblical symbolism, the sea represents the gentiles. And the land represents Israel. The left side of the boat represents following the failing systems we set up without God, and the right side of the boat represents having the support and all the resources possible by working with God. This is the third miracle performed after Jesus’ death, where he was hung on a cross to die with a sign above him that said Jesus of Nazareth. Nazarene people, including the prophet Daniel, Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist, Matthew, Peter and all other members of the Nazarene movement, were known and described as being vegetarians who only ate plant foods and did not eat or kill animals. This was a unique part of their ministry, as well as their animal activism. According to him, they were Jews only by nationality. My mind was blown when I learned this, as it felt like my entire 18-year vocation had been affirmed through the fact that Nazarene people were vegans! Wow, J
Now let’s get back on to land for that sweet beach breakfast!
Jesus did not eat fish in John 21:10. “Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish (opsarion) which ye have now caught. ”It is very important to note that John uses a word that does not reference the actual animals we call “fish” when using the word “opsarion.” the etymology of this word is a little vague, but in my research of hundreds of Ancient Greek texts I found it used in a lot of ways including mainly referring to a plant made relish (a cooked sauce) and in this case the Greek translation is a dried Mediterranean seaweed!
Jesus tells Peter that he will be led “where you do not want to go” and then says, “Follow me.” This passage shows us that even though we are sinners, Jesus continually showers his mercy on us, gives us innumerable second chances to show our love for him and never gives up on us. No matter how big our problems are, Jesus can fix them! And if that weren’t enough, he will also multiply them, God is an abundant God!
Jesus, You accept me lovingly, you encourage me, you invite me to abundance. Nourished by the food of your word, warmed by the fire of your unfailing love, may I in turn nourish, heal, and love those I meet today. Please eat this good word with me!
Prayer of Benediction - Let us not catch fish, but catch-all hearts and minds with Christ!
Go vegan. AMEN
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