SCRIPTURE: JOHN 21
JESUS AND THE MIRACULOUS CATCH OF FISH (vs. 1-14)
Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee and two other disciples were together in the boat catching fish by the Sea of Tiberias but they caught nothing the whole night. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore but the disciples did not recognize him. Jesus called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” (v. 5). “No”, they answered. Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” (v . 6). When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (v. 7). As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,”, he wrapped his outer garment around him and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coal there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” (v. 10). Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many they net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” (v. 12). None of the disciples dared to ask who he was. They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
JESUS REINSTATES PETER (vs. 15-25)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” (v. 15) :Yes, Lord”, he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs. (v. 15). Again Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (v. 16) The third time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (v. 17) Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (v.18) Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (v. 19)
Peter turned and saw that John was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” (v. 21) Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (v. 22) Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that John would not die. But Jesus did not only say, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” (v. 23). John was the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well .
THOUGHTS:
The disciples tried to catch fish the whole day but they failed. When Jesus took charge, their failure became success. This teaches us to obey what He tells you to do and your failure will turn to success.
Jesus prepared a fire of burning coals to meet his disciples. The fire of coals reminded Peter of his denials and the catch of fish reminded him of his call for service. Peter’s ministry was to be a shepherd and care for the lambs and sheep.
Jesus had a personal talk with Peter. He asked him, “Do you LOVE me” three times. The first and second times, the word “LOVE” he used is AGAPE – sacrificial love. But Peter responded with PHILEO – brotherly affection because he had to face his true feelings. So the third time Jesus changed it to PHILEO. How will you respond if Jesus asks you, “Do you love me?”
Jesus indicated the kind of death Peter would face and told him to follow him. Then Peter asked Jesus how John would die? Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our lives to others to rationalize our level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice. Jesus would also respond to us “What is that to you? You follow me.”