[:en]Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish (vs. 1-14)
Jesus appeared for the third time to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael and two other disciples were together fishing. Jesus stood on the shore and asked them: “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”. When they replied “no”, Jesus told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat and when they did, they caught 153 large fish which they were unable to haul the net. (vs. 6) John recognized Jesus and said to Peter. “It is the Lord” (v. 7). Peter immediately jumped into the water while the other disciples followed in the boat. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it and some bread. Jesus asked them to bring the fish they caught and invited them to come and have breakfast. (vs. 10-12)
Jesus Reinstates Peter (vs. 15-25)
After finished eating, Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me” three times. There are 4 kinds of love in Greek. (1)-Storge – empathy bond, (2)-Phileo – friend bond, (3)-Eros – erotic bond, (4)-Agape – unconditional and sacrifical love. Jesus used the AGAPE love. But Peter responded with “PHILEO”- brotherly love. So the third time, Jesus used the word “PHILEO” because He understood the true feelings and limitation of Peter. And Jesus told Peter to “feed my lamb”, “take care of my sheep” and “feed my sheep”. He was telling Peter to nurture new believers, take good care and disciple fellow Christians. Tradition recorded that Peter was crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying as Jesus did.
Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should only be concerned with himself and not to compare his life with that of others. John spent several years as an exile in the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. After he returned to Ephesus, he died of old ages.
John’s purpose of writing this gospel to us was to affirm that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing, you may have life in His name” (John 20:31)
Things to Ponder:
- Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He took care for the physical needs of His disciples. He taught them where to catch fish and invited them for breakfast. Today, Jesus also cares for you. He will provide your needs. We too must care for the needs of our fellow brethren.
- Jesus gave them instruction to reap a big catch of fish. Are you willing to listen to his command to become fishers of men?
- Despite of Peter’s denial, Jesus forgave and reinstated him. Whatever wrong you have done in the past, if you repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, He will surely forgive you and use you to further His kingdom. If Jesus ask you this question: “Do you love me?”, what will be your response?
- Jesus said to Peter:” “Follow me”. Peter changed his occupation from fisherman to evangelist. Are you willing to follow Jesus?
- Jesus indicated the kind of death by which he would glorify God. Peter then ask: “What about John?” Jesus told Peter not to compare himself with other disciples. Likewise, we are not to compare ourselves with fellow believers because Jesus has different plans for each one of us.
- After reading the Gospel of John, do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Have you decided to believe Him and follow Him?
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