In Luke 5 and John 21 we have recorded for us, two miracles. 

They are not the same one, but they are the same type. They sort of bookend the time that Peter had with Jesus. 

It is fascinating to view them together and I encourage you to take a moment to look them up. They are found in Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-12. These have many similarities and one marked difference that I would like to examine today: Both times they are faced with the same problem. Both times Jesus responded with a command that made no sense to them. Both times their obedience to that command resulted in a bounty of fish. There is a lesson here that I would be remiss in not mentioning. God often gives us orders that make no sense, and when he does so, we need to listen. 

Peter said in Luke 5 “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” I like that word, “nevertheless.” “

It makes no sense to me Jesus, but because you say so, I will do it. We all need that word in our life many times.

What is so strikingly different in these accounts is the reaction of Peter. In Luke 5 he immediately wanted away from Jesus. 

“Depart from me,” he said. He had a glimpse of the Holy, he saw who this was, and his sin drove him from Jesus. In John 21, consider his situation. He had just denied Jesus three times. He was at the point of his biggest failure in life. Peter had reached his lowest point. He is more aware of his sin now, than ever before. 

However, what happens when he finds out it is Jesus on the shore? He jumps into the water, flailing, swimming, and wading to Jesus. He cannot get to Jesus fast enough. An enormous change has come over Peter. At one time his sin drove him from Christ, now his sins drive him to Christ.

My contention is that the difference was – an understanding of the gospel. You see, religion is all about our effort to reach Christ, and in the futility of that effort our sin is a huge barrier between us and God. (“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”) Whereas, the gospel message is that Jesus has taken those sins on Himself and paid for them on Calvary. 

1 Peter 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 

Now, our attitude can change from: “Oh no, I have messed up again, God is going to get me now!” to “Oh man, I have failed again, I need my Father.” 

That is what made the Peter of Luke 5 into the Peter of John 21. Which one are you?