John 21:7-14

Yesterday we saw Jesus abundantly supply more fish than the disciples were able to handle. As soon as this miracle occurred, John figured out that it was Jesus on the shore. We aren’t sure why Jesus wasn’t immediately recognized by the disciples here. The same was true when Mary Magdalene first encountered Him outside the tomb, and when the two men walked with Him on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Whether there was something different about His appearance, or whether He just withheld their ability to recognize Him, we don’t know. But as soon as John saw the fish in the net, he knew. This had happened before! (Luke 5)

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. (John 21:7-9)

Impulsive Peter, of course, immediately jumps into the water instead of just rowing the boat the 100 yards onto shore! Isn’t it amazing that although they had been fishing all night, when they get to shore, Jesus was cooking the fish that He provided? Even so, He invites them to bring in their catch.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 

Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” 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 now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (vs. 10-14)

Jon Courson points out here that all of a sudden Peter was able to do alone what the group could not do together – haul in the net full of fish! Why was he able to do this? Because the LORD had told him to do it! When God asks us to do something, He also provides the power to accomplish it! If God is calling you to do something which you can’t even imagine accomplishing with the help of a huge committee, don’t be afraid. Just go and do what He asks. He will provide all you need!

The really lovely picture here is of Jesus just sharing a meal with His disciples – with those whom He called, “Friends!” I love that Jesus still ate in His glorified body! I don’t know about you, but I LOVE to eat, so the thought that we will be banqueting in Heaven is so exciting to me! We will sit and eat with our LORD! Amazing!

Tomorrow we will see a wonderful moment between Jesus and Peter.