In John 21 there is an interesting verse. Jesus’ disciples have been fishing all night and have caught absolutely nothing. Jesus appears on the shore and according to the King James Version He said, “Children, did you catch anything?” Children! Would one address someone like Peter or Simon the Zealot as children? I don’t think so. Neither did the translators of the New International Version which translates it “Friends.” However, the Greek word for “children” is what is in the Greek text. I would like to propose an alternative translation. How about “boys”? Men often refer to themselves as “the boys” as in “I’m going bowling with the boys.” In the right context it can be an affectionate term or in the wrong context derisive. In the context of John 21 it certainly could be one of endearment and still be very masculine.
Jesus had been three years with these men. They had been together through some glorious days and hell. The glory days were the feedings of the masses. One time He fed 5000 and another time 4000. What a high that must have been. Gethsemane and what followed was surely as bad as anything could get. They had eaten together, slept on the hillsides together, bathed together and walked many hundreds of miles together. The bond between them was certainly exceedingly strong. Calling them “boys” in the right way would have been extremely appropriate. Friends do that.
Jesus is also our friend and He calls to us. Does He call us by our first names or by our family name? Does He have a nickname for us that appropriately fit our personalities? Whatever He uses, of one thing we can be sure. He calls us with great affection.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 8, 2013
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
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