19.1.10

The resurrected Lord’s third appearance to the disciples

John 21

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

1Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias.[a] It happened this way: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered.

6He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7Then 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. 8The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[b] 9When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."

11Simon 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. 12Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

    1. Central Content

Content

  1. Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias (v.1)
  2. Detailed records of Jesus’ appearance to each of the seven disciples (v. 2)
  3. The other 6 disciples followed Peter and returned to their original career, but do not succeed (v. 3)
  4. Jesus appeared before them, showing them where to cast their nets (v. 4-6)
  5. John (Jesus’ beloved disciple) recognized that the man in front of them is Jesus (v. 7)
  6. They caught a total of 153 fishes (v. 8, 11)
  7. Jesus prepared the bread and fish and had breakfast with them (v. 9-10, 12-14)

Main theme

  1. The resurrected Lord’s third appearance to the disciples
  2. The resurrected Lord shared breakfast with the disciples

    1. II Who is God, Jesus, Holy Spirit?
  1. Jesus, who appeared to the disciples (v. 1)
  1. Jesus, who took the initiative to come to the disciples, to care for them, to reveal to them (v. 4-5, 9-13)
  2. Jesus, who performed miracles (v. 6)
  3. Jesus, Who loved the disciples (v. 7)

    1. Lessons for me
  1. Proof of Jesus’ resurrection

    The bible mentions that this is the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples. There are many other records of Jesus’ appearance upon his resurrection.

    1. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:17)
    2. Jesus appeared to the women visiting to tomb (Mark 16:1-3)
    3. Jesus appeared to Peter (Mark 16:7)
    4. Jesus appeared to the two disciples traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24:16)
    5. Jesus appeared to the disciples (Luke 24: 33)
    6. Jesus appeared to Thomas (John 20:21-28)
    7. Jesus appeared to the 7 disciples at the sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2)
    8. Jesus appeared to all 11 disciples on the mountain (Matthew 28:16)
    9. Jesus appeared to over 500 brothers (1 Corinthians 16)
    10. Jesus appeared to the disciples at Bethany (Luke 24:36-51)

Reflection: Do I truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus? Have I experienced this in my life?

  1. Renewing the disciples’ hope

    Disciples including Peter once gave up everything to follow Christ. They never would have thought the Jesus would end up crucified on the cross. Consequently, they were extremely disappointed and, still following Jesus, they returned to their original career.

    Jesus knew them all very well and deeply cared for them. That is the main purpose of this appearance was for them. Jesus went to them, prepared and shared breakfast with them, taking this opportunity to strengthen their faith and renewing their hope.

    Reflection: Have I ever experienced depression in faith? How can I stand up again, rekindle the flame and renew hope?

  1. Living in everyday life

    According to the Bible, when Jesus appeared to people, it didn’t’ happen in temples, but rather in everyday life or even at work. When the disciples returned to resume their jobs as fishermen, Jesus appeared before them, showing them where to cast the net and even sharing breakfast with them. This shows that Jesus deeply cared for his disciples.

    Reflection: Is the resurrected Jesus that I experienced present only in church, or is he in my everyday life?

  1. Lessons in spirituality

    By appearing to the disciples, Jesus not only renewed their faith, but also taught them valuable lessons in spirituality:

    1. Being aware that they are powerless: So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
    2. Learning obedience: When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
    3. Look upon Jesus’ supply: After a night of hard work with nothing to show for, Jesus prepared breakfast for the disciples
    4. Experiencing Jesus’ care: Jesus approached, cared for and served the disciples

    Reflection: Have I experienced the spiritual lessons mentioned above? Have I learned them?

    1. Prayers and applications
Translated by Kelvin L.
張貼者： 於

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