CHARLES PRICE V1052-2
Transformations: Following the Signs of Jesus’ Miracles
8. The Miraculous Catch of Fish 54min
John 21:1-14
This miracle sign is different from the others - the normal laws of nature are not reversed or over-ruled.
Some people say this is not really a miracle.
Whatever you think, this is a very important event.
The Situation (verses 1-3)
This event took place in the 40 days between His resurrection and His ascension. Seven of the disciples are at the Sea of Galilee and decide to go fishing. When Peter decides to go fishing he may be saying that he is finished with this business of following Jesus and being His disciple. They had not believed in His resurrection, they had been battered during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, they felt defeated and discouraged. Peter was turning his back on Jesus’ calling, “I will make you fishers of men.” (Luke 5:1-11)
As long as we think of the Christian life in human terms, we will come to a point when we feel like giving up because we feel “I cannot do this.” It is good to reach this point because it confirms what God already knows; we don’t have in ourselves what it takes to be His disciple.
The Surprise (verses 4-14)
Jesus was standing on the shore but the disciples did not recognise Him.
Why did they not recognise Him? They were less than 100 metres from the shore. If John chooses to mention that they did not recognise Jesus, it must be significant.
Probably because in each case someone did not expect to see Jesus (Mary at the tomb; the two disciples on the road to Emmaus). Unbelief closes our eyes and ears to Jesus. (see what happened in Nazareth when they refused to believe Him; Matthew 13:58, also Romans 11:20, Hebrews 3:19)
How did Jesus reveal Himself to them? By asking them the most embarrassing question He could have asked fishermen. “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
He asked the question that exposed their weakness and failure. He asks us such questions, not to embarrass us but to show His strength.
If we do not live honestly before God, we will not see Him at work in us and through us.
God’s power and glory is seen best in our weakness and need.
You don’t see God searching for people who have it all together, but for people who acknowledge their need.
When they obeyed Jesus they made a great catch of fish and their eyes were opened to recognise Him.
Peter and John seem to be the two most active disciples. Peter tends to act before John does but John understands before Peter does.
What is the significance of 153 fish? Many have speculated what the number means. When the disciples spent the night fishing, they caught no fish. When they obeyed Jesus they caught 153 (we know because they counted them). End of story. Without Christ we can do nothing.
After the resurrection, we often find Jesus eating - shows the value He placed on fellowship and being with His disciples.
Verse 12 - none of the disciples dared asked Jesus who He was. They knew it was the Lord. Yet, as they spent more time with Him, they realized there was so much they still didn’t know - and so it will be for us.
Christ is my Lord, Life, Wisdom, Strength, Righteousness and so on. (See Philippians 3:10; 2 Peter 1:3)
The Sign (verses 15-24)
Peter went for a walk with Jesus. Jesus asked the question, “Do you love Me more than these?” Peter was being given the opportunity to make a confession of his love.
Peter first says, “Lord, you know I love you.” He does not add “more than these.” He is still not willing to commit himself fully.
Also, the word Jesus uses for love is stronger (agape in the Greek) than the word Peter uses (phileo).
Jesus gave Peter a job, “Feed my Lambs.” He still commissions weak, doubting people.
The second time Jesus says, “Do you Love Me?” but leaves off “more than these.”
The third time Jesus uses Peter’s word “phileo.”
Jesus shows that He will accept Peter just as He is. The commission given to Peter has expanded from “you will be a fisher of men” to “you will feed My sheep.”
Jesus also reveals how Peter will die and says not to be concerned about others (specifically John).
We may get information about Christ as we listen to a Bible teacher but we will get to know Christ as we face the issues of life.
