Lately, I wonder what would happen if some of the things we read in the gospels were to happen today in this crazy world. Today’s gospel reading was John 21:1-19. This was Jesus’ last appearance to the Apostles before he ascended into heaven.

Let’s jump ahead two thousand years and replay the scene as it would happen today. Seven guys are fishing in the middle of the night. They have been fishing all night and haven’t caught anything. Just as they are ready to call it a night, a strange guy asks them if they caught anything. They roll their eyes, say “No” and wait for what they are sure is coming.

Here they are, trying to earn a living, and some guy is going to tell them how and where to fish. They aren’t in the mood. Sure enough, the guy says, “Throw the net off the right side.” They’re tired and respond with a slew of profanity, rowing the boat away, leaving the guy standing by himself.

How many times do we do something similar? Jesus tries to give us some advice, and we don’t listen. We think we know better. How can this guy know what he’s talking about?

In the gospel reading the apostles did what Jesus asked them to do and got a net full of fish. Then John realized it was Jesus who was talking to them.

We must do the same thing. Jesus is always with us, guiding us through our journey. We don’t always listen. We need to first understand that He is the one who is guiding us, and second, trust Him. When he tells us to throw the net off the left side of the boat, do it.

How do you know that Jesus is giving you the answer? He will never give you an answer that is contrary to his teachings. He will never give you an answer that will lead to sin. I believe you will know in your heart that Jesus is guiding you.

It isn’t easy to put all your trust into Jesus, especially when you have never done so before. But it will only take a few tries to realize Jesus has your back, and you can trust him. He won’t let you down.

They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some (John 21:3–6, RSV2CE)