Jesus' ministry was Spirit appointed. As Christians, the foundation of all we do is Spirit inspired. Ministry done in the flesh can lead to burn out but ministry done in the Spirit leads to spiritual results that we don't always see. Proclamation of the good news of Jesus to others is a balance of word and deed - both go hand in hand.

Peter has fished sincerely but with no result. If we serve in our own strength, we will not glorify God. Peter now responds in obedience to Jesus in throwing the nets on the other side of the boat with 153 fish as a result! John first recognises the Lord but it is Peter that dives in - he is not going to move away from Jesus again. If we are to be fishers of people, we must obey God. If we are to be shepherds of God's people, we must love Him. Jesus gives Peter what he needs physically before attending to his spiritual needs. Our Lord has compassion and meets our needs.

In this passage we see that Jesus has taken His disciples north to Caesarea Philippi, away from the crowds who may have wanted to crown Him king. When Jesus asked His disciples "who do you say I am?", it was Peter, a bold man of faith, the one who steps out of the boat in faith, the one who knows who Jesus is and declares it. Jesus is more than a great man, a prophet or a servant of God. Our journey as Christians only starts when we become believers in Him. Who do you say Jesus is?

As Christians, we are a called people and we are sent to proclaim God's kingdom wherever we are. This is the mission for all those who follow Jesus - it is not an option but a great responsibility, honour and privilege to represent Him. Jesus, at 12 years of age knew He had to be about His Father's business. 21 years later, Jesus commits Himself into His Father's hands and knows His earthly mission is finished. We are called to come to Jesus and go out to tells others about Him.

Here in this passage, Jesus shows his disciples how we do and don't enter into God's eternal kingdom. Trusting in your own goodness or trying to gain it in your own strength will leave you sad and missing out, just like the young man. But if we take on the childlike qualities of faith and dependence, like children and trust ourselves to Jesus, then we will find it.