Scripture: John 21:5-7
Jesus called to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” He said, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they did, and there were so many fish that they couldn’t haul in the net. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked) and jumped into the water.
Thought for the Day: Recently I was reminded that May 4 was World Naked Gardening Day. There are so many practical reasons why I think this is a bad idea, despite the fact that it is potentially dangerous… rose bushes and all. Of course, it appears that Peter was attempting to institute a National Naked Fishing Day. Read the story carefully. This is one of those examples where just because the Bible suggests that the Apostles fished naked, I don’t believe we should feel obligated to do so as Christians. Again, I can think of numerous hazards in doing so. And as I think about the fishermen I know personally, nothing against you all, but I really don’t want to see you naked. This was an exercise in recognizing the unique historic setting of scripture. In that time, naked fishing was the norm. In the first century, people didn’t have swimming suits, fishing waders, that lucky fishing shirt, etc. In fact, most of them only had one set of clothes. Besides, a tunic and robe were not good when bringing in the nets required you to jump overboard. I am a firm believer that modern day Christians read way too much of our current world’s practices and cultural norms into the ancient world. It takes some additional work to allow the ancient texts to speak from that ancient context, with all of its oddities. Yet there is a richness and beauty that is too often overlooked when we miss the fact that Peter was fishing naked…and other such things.
Prayer: Provide me a genuine curiosity as I explore the scriptures and the ancient world in which they were written. Help me, Gracious God, to recognize the wonderfully unique practices of that time as a way of better understanding Jesus and his message. Amen.
