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
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