Gospel of John: Shore Lunch

The Gospel of John: Shore Lunch

John 21:1-14

The Fourth Appearance (v. 1-8)

•      After the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples have returned to Galilee

–     Perhaps because of Jesus’ command (see Mark 14:28; 16:7)

•      Jesus then reveals Himself to them again

–     The emphasis is not just on His appearing

•      But on His self-revelation

•      7 of the disciples are fishing

–     Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John, and 2 others

–     This was probably not a return per se to their former lives

•      But rather an activity meant to provide food and pass time until Jesus met up with them

–     They have been fishing throughout the night to no avail

•      As they approach shore in the morning, Jesus is waiting for them

–     Though they don’t realize it is Him at first

•      He instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat

–     Which rewards them with a net-full of fish

•      At this John realizes that it is Jesus

–     Which sends Peter, half-naked, into the lake

•      Swimming 100 yards to shore to meet Him

•      Leaving the less experienced disciples to handle the boat

 

Shore Lunch (v. 9-14)

•      When the rest of the disciples get to shore, they find:

–     A charcoal fire burning

•      Like the one in the courtyard where Peter denied Jesus

–     Fish already cooking

•      To which Jesus instructs them to add more

•      Some see this as an allusion to the building of the Church

–     Jesus begins the work, and we add to it

•      Though even the other fish come through obedience to Jesus

•      When the fish are counted the total 153

–     A huge quantity, but the nets remain unbroken

•      Possibly an allusion that the Gospel will not fail

•      Jesus invites them to eat with Him

–     Yet they are somewhat frightened

 

 

 

So What?

•      Jesus continued to meet the needs of the disciples

–     And still does so for us today

•      He calls us to join Him in His work of being fishers of men

–     Not in our own strength, but through His power

•      Are we fishing with Jesus?!

 

Meditation Verse: Mark 1:17