Where’s the Proof?
When I speak of Jesus’ sense of humor, some people might feel a little uncomfortable. But there’s clear evidence in the Scriptures. I believe Jesus enjoyed doing some of His miracles, don’t you? Particularly the ones involving fish. Today, I’m going to shine light on these fishy miracles from a different angle. Hopefully, you’ll begin to see Jesus’ sense of humor too.
Let’s Go Fishing, Guys
At the beginning of His ministry, the Lord stood teaching on the seashore and noticed some fishermen washing their nets. Things got a little crowded. So Jesus stepped into one of the boats and asked Simon and his crew to pull a little away from the shore. That way He could sit and teach the people more comfortably.
No problem.
But then this new rabbi turned to these experienced fishermen and told them to do something very strange.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:4-5 NIV)
Discouraged and weary, these fishermen were ready for bed. They’d worked long hours the night before and hadn’t even caught a minnow.
Go back out now?
Clearly the new rabbi didn’t know anything about fishing.
Skeptical but obedient, Simon Peter steered his boat back out into deeper water. An experienced fisherman, he knew the best time to catch fish; it wasn’t during the heat of the day.
But Peter didn’t yet know Jesus.
Can you picture our Savior’s secret glee? He watched as the tired fishermen listlessly tossed the nets off the boat one more time.
I think Jesus started to grin. This was going to be fun!
Suddenly, the nets filled with so many fish, they started to break. Frantically signaling the second boat to come help them, the fishermen—and Jesus too—pulled in so many fish both boats began to sink. Laughing and excited, the men worked hard to haul in this amazing once-in-a-lifetime catch.
The sudden flood of fish shows Jesus’ sense of humor.
Peter’s Revelation
Suddenly Peter understood who was standing beside him on the boat.
In Jesus’ time, the Jews believed only a truly godly man would have enough of God’s favor to perform miracles.
That day, Peter, James and John became Jesus’ first disciples—and started learning to fish for men.
Christ’s Watery Messenger
If the first fish miracle doesn’t convince you of Jesus’ sense of humor, maybe this one will.
In Capernaum, Jesus owes a temple tax, according to the law. Apparently He didn’t have enough coins to pay for it.
When we don’t have the money for an unexpected expense, we borrow it. Jesus, however, never did anything that ordinary.
Instead, He told Peter to go fishing.
27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matt 17:27 NIV)
Normally if a man goes fishing immediately after being told he owes taxes, he is clearly avoiding an unpleasant circumstance.
But not this time.
The directions Jesus gave on how to find the money for the tax? Utter nonsense—yet Peter obeyed. Grabbing his fishing gear, he headed out the door to keep his “date with fishy destiny.”
I believe Jesus’ eyes lit up with laughter as He watched the apostle leave. Faith and trust always delight our Savior and Peter showed both.
Peter hooked a fish and in its mouth he found a coin—just as the Lord said.
I wonder, was God’s water-dwelling messenger caught and released? Or did Jesus and Peter enjoy a fish dinner?
We’ll never know.
Think about this; Jesus could have provided the tax money in a much more ordinary way, like telling Simon Peter to check for coins under a certain rock—but where would be the fun in that?
Cast Your Nets on the Other Side
The fishing miracle I enjoy most comes after Jesus’ resurrection. In John 21:1-14. Jesus appeared a third time to his disciples after rising from the dead.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:4-6 NIV)
When Jesus plays a practical joke, it’s always lighthearted, sweet-spirited and fun.
The resurrected Savior could have just appeared to his disciples when they came ashore. Or clearly announced who He was, with a flash of lightning.
Instead, Jesus floods the net with fish, revealing Himself to His friends.
This miracle always makes me laugh, because Jesus told His disciples they were fishing on the wrong side of the boat!
The stranger’s suggestion was pretty idiotic. But they decided to act on it.
When the apostles dropped the net off the right side of the boat, it immediately filed with fish, Then John cried, “It’s the Lord!” Immediately, Peter got dressed and then jumped overboard into the sea.
His time with Jesus had taught him to abandon amazing catches of fish whenever the Messiah was near.
This man had his priorities straight.
One Last Thought
Every “fun miracle” had one thing in common—no one asked Jesus to do any of them.
Each of these miracles were God’s idea. No human would have thought of them. Changing water into wine? Multiplying a little boy’s lunch to feed thousands of followers? Arranging for a fish to provide coins to pay the temple tax?
I believe each is an example of our Savior enjoying himself and having a good time.
Jesus delights to bless His people and sometimes He takes them fishing.
All images are from Pixabay.com.
