{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:15-19.} The beach was waking up. Gulls bobbed on the water, squawking at the fishermen and diving for food. Other boats pulled up to the shore, their crews gaping at the huge catch that had already been hauled in. When the eight friends finished eating, Jesus and Peter walked along the shore where the breeze ruffled the water and splashed into foam near their feet. The small talk of the first reunion had passed. Peter … [Read more...]

{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:10-14.} {Part 1: Waiting} {Part 2: Surprise} {Part 3: Forgiveness} It was just a few moments before the hull of the boat sliced into the shore. “Bring some of the fish you just caught,” Jesus hollered. Peter swallowed the bread, jogged to the boat and climbed on board to help drag the bulging net out of the water. The seven of them heaved fish and nets, ropes and baskets up the shore to begin untangling fins and … [Read more...]

{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:8-9.} {Part 1: Waiting} {Part 2: Surprise} Water rushed into his ears, and muted the night sounds. The quiet underwater allowed the screaming questions and the agonizing apology to echo. When Peter broke the surface, he saw Jesus bending over the fire. He swam until he could stand and thrashed through the water to the shore. The unmistakable scar on the hand that stirred the coals and turned the roasting fish confirmed … [Read more...]

{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:6-7.} {From last week, Part 1: Waiting} Peter coiled the ropes into a sloppy pile on the deck. The man on the shore called to them again, but Peter couldn’t hear over the lapping water and sliding ropes “What did he say?” Peter asked. John answered, “He said, cast on the right side to find some fish.” The rest of them stopped fiddling with nets and oars, ropes and sails. They looked from one to another. Too tired to … [Read more...]

{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:1-5.} It was a dreary but familiar rhythm. Peter cast out his net and heard it slap the surface and then hiss as it sunk. Hand over hand, Peter and John drew it back in scraping ropes over the hull. Slap. Hiss. Scrape. Nothing. Hour after hour. All night long. The motions had come back as naturally as breathing, but tonight he was waking muscles that had been sleeping for years. And they were angry. Three years … [Read more...]