April 8 – The Risen Lord Appears

Sunday School Lesson

April 8

The Risen Lord Appears

 

Devotional Reading: Psalm 19:7-10; 119:105-112

 

Background Scripture: John 21:1-14

 

John 21:1-14

 

1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

 

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

 

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

 

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

 

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

 

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

 

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

 

8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

 

9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

 

10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

 

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

 

12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

 

13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

 

14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

 

Key Verse

 

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.—John 21:12

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Recount the story of Jesus’ appearance at the Sea of Galilee following His resurrection.

 

2. Identify elements of the story that reveal Jesus’ constant provision for His followers.

 

3. Write a prayer of commitment to trust in Jesus’ provision under all circumstances.

 

 

Introduction

 

1. No Job Too Big or Too Small

 

One of the most widely used business slogans is “No job is too big or too small.” Business people of all kinds want potential customers to hire them regardless of the circumstances. Is there so much to be done that you cannot even think where to begin? Call us! Is your task so small you cannot imagine someone bothering with it? Call us! But in fact, however, some jobs are too big or too small. How absurd to call a plumber to drain a large swamp or an exterminator to swat one fly.

 

Christians sometimes rule out certain matters as too big or too small for God. The evil and suffering of the world may seem so big that some may not believe that God can do much about it. Death is universal, the terror of human existence, the penalty for sin (Genesis 2:17). Some believe that God cannot overcome it. Meanwhile, our day-to-day needs may seem so trivial that we hesitate to “bother” God with them.

 

Today’s text reminds us that for God no matter is too big or too small. The apostle John’s account of Jesus, raised from the dead and meeting His disciples by the Sea of Galilee, is a profound reminder that by Jesus’ death and resurrection God is transforming our world to become what He always intended it to be and is overcoming the sin and death that infect our lives. In this story, Jesus surprises His disciples with a morning meal, a simple gesture that underlines His promise always to provide what they need.

 

1. Lesson Background

 

Today’s text is the first part of an extended narrative detailing one of Jesus’ appearances following His resurrection, an account recorded only by John. As the text opens, John has already recounted events from the day of the resurrection itself. Mary Magdalene, finding Jesus’ tomb empty, told Simon Peter and “the other disciple” (apparently John himself) that Jesus’ body had been taken (John 20:1, 2). The two rushed to the tomb to see for themselves (20:3-10). Then Jesus appeared to Mary, confirming that He was indeed raised from the dead (20:11-18).

 

Later that same day, the “first day of the week,” Jesus appeared to His disciples in a locked room (John 20:19-23). He appeared to them again a week later, that time addressing Thomas, who had been absent before. That man needed and received personal, tangible evidence that Jesus really was alive (20:24-28).

 

The appearance to Thomas is, in certain ways, the climax of John’s Gospel in light of Jesus’ statement, “Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). John then immediately informs us of the “many other signs” (miracles) that Jesus performed (20:30). These comprise the fabric of this Gospel. Understanding the meaning of these signs, readers can put their faith in the risen Jesus whom they have not seen (20:31).

 

That purpose statement could be a good place for this Gospel to conclude. But there is yet a bit of unfinished business with the apostles in general and Peter in particular.

 

1. Unhappy Result

 

                                                                    (John 21:1-4)

 

1. Fishermen at Work (vv. 1-3)

 

1. After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

 

We come to the final post-resurrection appearance of Jesus that is recorded in the Gospel of John. The general description after these things refers to the unspecified amount of time between the previous appearances in and near Jerusalem and the one that takes place at the sea of Tiberias, which is another name for the Sea of Galilee (John 6:1; compare Luke 5:1).

 

How to Say It

 

DeuteronomyDue-ter-ahn-uh-me.

 

DidymusDid-uh-mus.

 

GalileeGal-uh-lee.

 

MagdaleneMag-duh-leen or Mag-duh-lee-nee.

 

NathanaelNuh-than-yull (th as in thin).

 

NazarethNaz-uh-reth.

 

TiberiasTie-beer-ee-us.

 

ZebedeeZeb-eh-dee.

 

This body of water is a large freshwater lake of about sixty-four square miles. It is the dominant feature of the region where Jesus grew up and conducted much of His ministry. It was was along the shore of this lake that Jesus called His first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22). Those disciples were eyewitnesses of the miracles Jesus performed in the area, including four involving the lake itself: the calming the storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:37-41; Luke 8:22-25), the first catch of fish (Luke 5:1-7); walking on the water (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48-51; John 6:16-21), and a coin in a fish’s mouth (Matthew 17:27).

 

With Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread now complete (John 19:14), some of the disciples have arrived back in this familiar territory (see Mark 14:28; 16:7). The walking distance from Jerusalem is about 70 miles.

 

2. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

 

Seven men other than Jesus are present: three are named, two are unnamed but identifiable, and two other of his disciples who are unidentifiable. The mention first of Simon Peter is fully consistent with his name appearing first in the listings of the twelve in Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; and Acts 1:13. It is not uncommon in the New Testament for people to be known by more than one name, and Peter is one of those (compare John 1:42). Thomas called Didymus is another; the Aramaic word Thomas and the Greek word Didymus both mean “twin.” Popularly known today as “doubting Thomas” (see the Lesson Background), he is a man of courage (see John 11:16).

 

Nathanael of Cana in Galilee is mentioned toward the beginning of John’s Gospel, when Peter and others first encounter Jesus (John 1:35-42). When confronted with Jesus’ divine power, he exclaimed that Jesus was truly God’s promised king of Israel (v. 49). Cana is the site of Jesus’ first miracle (2:1-11), undoubtedly witnessed by Nathanael. One theory is that Nathanael is another name for Bartholomew (Mark 3:18). If that theory is correct, then Nathanael is one of the original 12 apostles.

 

The sons of Zebedee are James and John. Along with Peter and his brother Andrew, they are among the fishermen whom Jesus had called to follow Him (Mark 1:16-20). With Peter they were invited as witnesses to Jesus’ raising of a dead girl (5:35-43), Jesus’ transfiguration (9:2-8), and His prayers in Gethsemane before His death (14:32-42).

 

James and John are not named in John’s Gospel and are mentioned explicitly only in the account before us. An ancient and widely affirmed explanation for this is that John is the author of this account, elsewhere humbly calling himself the “disciple whom Jesus loved” to emphasize that his place in the story comes only because of Jesus’ gracious love (John 13:23; 19:26; 21:7).

 

3. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

 

Some have interpreted Peter’s announcement to be an expression of impatience or despair, a sign that he is returning to the old way of life from which Jesus had called him. But the text does not support this as the sole or even the best interpretation. Peter may simply be hungry, or he may want to retain a means of self-support, not knowing what the Lord intends for him personally. The others decide to join him. Fishing is generally done at night, when fish are nearer the water’s surface and so that fish can be sold fresh the next morning. But as was the case previously, he fishes all night without a catch (Luke 5:5).

 

1. Figure on the Shore (v. 4)

 

4. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

 

Some readers find it implausible that the disciples do not recognize Jesus. But dim light and long distance surely account for this fact. Further, the disciples may not be expecting to see the risen Jesus in this particular setting. In Luke 24:16, part of another account of a resurrection appearance, Jesus seems deliberately to prevent His identity from being known. That may also be the case here.

 

1. Unforeseen Provision

 

                                                                    (John 21:5-8)

 

1. Specific Command (vv. 5, 6a)

 

5. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

 

Jesus calls out as an older man might speak to friends for whom he is concerned. Notably, the Greek text indicates that Jesus already anticipates the answer to His question: “You do not have any fish, do you?” The fishermen, undoubtedly tired and hungry from a night of repeatedly casting their nets, acknowledge that they do not.

 

6a. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.

 

Now Jesus speaks as much more than just a sympathetic onlooker. His instructions are specific, as they were in Luke 5:4. There the fishermen were to “launch out into the deep”; here they are to cast the net on the right side of the ship.

 

1. Surprising Result (v. 6b)

 

6b. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

 

The result is immediate and overwhelming as zero fish are replaced by a multitude of fishes (numbered in John 21:11 as 153). This outcome closely resembles what happened when Jesus previously challenged Peter to let down his nets one more time after an unproductive night (Luke 5:4-7).

 

What Do You Think?

 

In what ways can this verse encourage believers today?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In how we see past and current situations in light of each other

 

In how we anticipate the future

 

Inconvenient Fishing

 

A young Muslim man left his home in central Asia to study at a university in the U.S. Before classes even began, he suffered a brain aneurysm that almost took his life. He survived the aneurysm, but needed several surgeries over the course of the next year.

 

A friend from his hometown who was living in the U.S. cared for him. A local church heard about his plight and chipped in to help with the staggering medical bills. High school students from the church visited and helped him learn English. The young Muslim could have been ignored by Christians. Instead, Christians became Jesus’ hands and feet in providing the care he needed.

 

We fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20) as we become “fishers of men” (4:19). But not all “fish” are easy catches. The success of those fishing in John 21:6 came after they had caught nothing all night. They had only blistered hands and sore muscles to show for their efforts. When advised to “cast the net on the right side of the ship,” everything in their experience probably said that such an action would be pointless. But they obeyed in faith, and a magnificent catch of fish was their reward.

 

The young Muslim man began learning about Jesus as Christians met his needs. Will he be captured permanently in the net of God’s love in Christ? We pray so, but ultimately it’s up to the man himself. Our task is to cast the net as the Savior desires. Will you be ready to do so, even at the most inconvenient times when you’re the most worn out?

 

—L. M. W.

 

1. Sudden Realization (vv. 7, 8)

 

7. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

 

The disciple whom Jesus loved is, by traditional reckoning, the apostle John, author of this Gospel. He is the first to realize that the one who has just provided a huge catch of fish can only be the one who has command of the forces of nature. His declaration It is the Lord is the basis for Peter’s spontaneous act of swimming and wading to shore to meet the Lord.

 

This personality difference is also seen in John 20. “The other disciple, whom Jesus loved” (20:2) had rushed with Peter to Jesus’ tomb after Mary Magdalene’s report. Peter was the first to enter the tomb although he had arrived second (20:3-7). Eventually “that other disciple” overcame his caution and also entered the tomb, where “he saw, and believed” (20:8); Peter’s state of belief is left unrecorded. It seems in both cases that John is the one with greater insight while Peter is the one with greater propensity to act.

 

What Peter does first upon hearing It is the Lord may be confusing, since it can seem that he puts on more clothes before jumping into the sea! We should probably understand that he has been lightly clothed in a smock worn by fishermen (the word translated naked can mean “lightly clothed”), but that the garment is loose around his body. To girt this garment is to secure it close to his body so it does not interfere with swimming or wading.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What can we do to ensure a consistently genuine witness in the presence of fellow believers?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

When gathered for Bible study

 

When gathered for prayer

 

When gathered for worship

 

When participating in service projects

 

Other

 

8. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

 

The distance to shore is not so great that Peter cannot swim to shore. (Two hundred cubits is about a hundred yards.) The close proximity to the shore also helped the six other disciples cooperate to drag the net to shore, as they may have been unable to empty its contents into the bottom of the boat as was the usual practice. The Lord’s provision is abundant, yet within their capacity to receive it.

 

III. Unexpected Meal

 

                                                                    (John 21:9-14)

 

1. Food Shared (vv. 9-13)

 

9. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

 

Those who come in from fishing for their breakfast would not expect someone on shore to have a breakfast of cooked fish ready for them! That is all the more so when considering that a fire of coals requires considerable time to heat fully. But the Lord who directed the fish to the fishermen’s net is also the Lord who fed the hungry multitudes with a scant amount of bread and fish (John 6:1-15). He is able to provide for His people in both large and small ways that astonish.

 

10. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

 

The disciples may be in something of a state of shock at this point. People in such a state may wonder what to do next. Jesus has the answer.

 

11. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

 

We may wonder how far Simon Peter makes it toward Jesus before turning back to help with the net . . . full of great fishes. The text does not say. However, the text does specify the number of fish and further implies that the net should break under the weight and volume of so many but does not. Readers also wonder about the significance of the specific number 153. Perhaps the reason for its inclusion is to highlight the impact of the miracle.

 

Jesus has called His disciples to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18, 19). He has told them that as the Father had sent Him, so He was sending them (John 17:18; 20:21). But how can this undistinguished band, so often marked by weak faith and failure, undertake such a task? The miraculous catch of fish points to the answer. By themselves, these men are inadequate. But empowered by the Spirit of Christ (16:7-11), they will do great things (14:12-14). Abiding in Jesus, relying on His provision, they will bear much fruit (15:1-11).

 

What Do You Think?

 

How did a time of God’s unexpected provision prepare you for future service?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding a provision of finances

 

Regarding a provision of emotional support

 

Regarding a provision of Bible understanding

 

Other

 

12. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

 

The Lord is host of this feast, and all present are His welcome guests. Gone is the doubt that had plagued Thomas and others. All recognize their host as the sovereign Lord who commands the elements and the creatures that dwell in them. He is the one who was dead but is now gloriously alive again. They will testify with confidence about Him, bringing multitudes and generations who have not seen to believe in what they have seen.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How would things change were we to acknowledge Christ as host and center of mealtimes?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding mealtime conversations

 

Regarding mealtime priorities

 

Regarding dinner invitations

 

Other

 

13. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

 

Jesus’ actions are described in a manner that highlights the meal as His gracious provision for His followers. As He did with the multitude, He distributes the bread and fish himself (John 6:11). It is a simple meal, one typical for the times, but also an abundant meal, with plenty for everyone.

 

What We Need, When We Need It

 

As a child growing up in Zimbabwe, Isaac saw the graves of American missionaries who had died bringing the gospel to his people. He decided to be a missionary to the U.S. in gratitude to those who had sacrificed for him.

 

He was accepted to attend a seminary in America, but he needed visas. When he took his paperwork to the American embassy, he discovered that they would give visas to him and his wife, but not to their children. Not wanting to move without them, he declined the offer and went home.

 

The next day he sensed a divine pull to return to the embassy, even though he had no appointment. As Isaac sat down with the official who had interviewed him the day before, the ambassador walked in, looked at Isaac, and told the interviewer to give Isaac whatever he wanted. Isaac walked out with visas for himself, his wife, and their children!

 

Today, Isaac continues to take steps in faith, and God continues to provide. Isaac doesn’t know where the funds for each step will come from, but God never lets him down. Sometimes God provides for us in big ways (John 21:11), sometimes in small (21:13). But faith to follow the Lord’s leading must come first (21:6). Is lack of faith a challenge for you?

 

—L. M. W.

 

1. Faith Strengthened (v. 14)

 

14. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

 

The enumeration the third time counts the appearances in John 20:19-23 and 20:24-29 as the first and second of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, respectively, to his disciples. But wait—what about the appearance to Mary Magdalene in John 20:11-18? Has John gotten his count wrong?

 

The answer is no, and the key lies in the phrase to his disciples. The word disciples is plural, whereas Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene represents an encounter with an individual. Further, the accounts by other Bible writers record additional appearances, including the mention of an appearance to Peter individualy.

 

Jesus’ resurrection was no illusion, no mere visionary experience in the minds and hearts of His followers. It was an unexpected, life-transforming event in real space and time. It altered the flow of history as it fulfilled the most important promises of God. The resurrection accounts of John and the others demonstrate how real and powerful was and is the resurrection of Jesus.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How would you describe the reality and power of Jesus’ resurrection in your life?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In terms of how it affects your relationships with fellow believers

 

In terms of how it affects your relationships with unbelievers

 

Conclusion

 

1. Presence and Provision

 

Christ’s presence with and provision for Christians are constant. Whether our lives are easy, hard, or somewhere in between, He is with us. Whether our faith feels strong, shaken, or somewhere in between, He never fails or forsakes us.

 

Jesus is not present in the flesh as He was for the disciples. But as He rules from Heaven and empowers by His Spirit, He is no less present with us than He was with them. Are we ready to acknowledge these facts, ready to receive what He gives, and ready to testify to His constant provision?

 

1. Prayer

 

Father, may we acknowledge daily that You are with us, providing for our every need and empowering us to fulfill Your every task. May Your rule in the world find an anchor in our hearts. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

 

Jesus provides, now and forevermore.

 

 

Kid’s Corner

Loving Leads to Doing

April 8, 2018

John 21:1-14

 

John 21:1-14

(John 21:1) After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He went to the Sea of Galilee (also called the Sea of Tiberias) and called Simon (Peter) and Andrew to follow Him, saying He would teach them how to fish for people (see Mark 4:18-20). The ESV, the KJV, the NASB, and NRSV use “the Sea of Tiberias” in this verse. The Sea of Galilee was also called the Sea of Tiberias and the Lake of Gennesaret where Jesus later preached from a boat belonging to Simon and helped Simon, Andrew, James and John fill two boats full of fish, telling them that from now on they would fish for people (see John 6:1 and Luke 5:1-11). As John reports, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples in Galilee just as He had told them He would (Mark 16:7).  It is fitting that He would appear to them in a way similar to their first meeting and confirm that they were now ready to fish for people.

(John 21:2) Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.

Andrew was a partner with his brother Peter in their business of fishing, so he was probably present at this event; but, if so, he was unnamed (see Matthew 4:18). It seems appropriate that Thomas was present (“Didymus” means “Twin;” traditionally he came to be called “Doubting Thomas” — see John 20:24-29).  Nathanael, from Cana, was the one who wondered that anything good could come from Nazareth (see John 1:45-49), so it is very interesting that he was present. James and John were the sons of Zebedee and were Simon’s fishing partners (see Matthew 10:2 and Luke 5:10). Philip was from Bethsaida as were Simon and Andrew, so he may have been a fisherman and may have been the other person present (see John 1:44). Though probable that Andrew and Philip were the “two other disciples,” that is still speculation.

(John 21:3) Simon Peter *said to them, “I am going fishing.” They *said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

The disciples of Jesus had not yet received the “Great Commission” on the mountain in Galilee (see Matthew 28:16-20). Nor had they yet returned to Judea near Jerusalem where Jesus would ascend into heaven from a location near Bethany (see Luke 24:50-53). They were in Galilee where Jesus had instructed them to go (see Matthew 28:7-10). They were not just sitting around doing nothing while waiting for Jesus to appear as He promised. They were doing what they knew to do, which was fishing. They were meeting their daily needs and the needs of their families through their fishing occupation. They were safely away from the authorities in Jerusalem, who might have sought to kill them as followers of Jesus. They were awaiting further instructions from Jesus, and probably discussing all they had learned and experienced throughout Jesus’ public ministry with them as well as other appearances to them and others after His resurrection. Jesus gave them time to think things through together and come to a greater understanding of Him as He appeared to them at various times during forty days of appearances (see Acts 1:3). Jesus’ appearance to them at the Sea of Galilee was untimed and unexpected by them. They never tried to bring Jesus back in some mystical manner. After Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell them on the Day of Pentecost, He would live within them (and within all who believe in Him) in a closer relationship than when He walked with them in the world (see Colossians 1:27).

When Jesus met them for the first time and called them to be His disciples, they had caught nothing, so He showed them where to fish (Luke 5:5-6). Likewise, on this night, they had caught nothing, but they soon would with Jesus’ help. Likewise, they would not be able to fish for people successfully without Jesus’ help.

(John 21:4) But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

The disciples were not expecting to see Jesus. They were quite a distance from the shore (at that moment more than 100 yards) so they did not recognize Him in the morning light.

(John 21:5) So Jesus *said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.”

A voice will carry quite well over water, and Jesus would have had no problem speaking to them no matter how far away. In the Greek language, Jesus called them “children” (see also ESV, KJV, NASB, NRSV), which means small children who need to be taught and which can also refer to immature Christians. “Children” seems appropriate in this situation, but Jesus also called His disciples His “Friends.” In John 15:14-15, we read these words of Jesus: “You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.” They were His friends, and not knowing He was Jesus, the disciples in the boat obeyed Jesus’ command (probably through the influence of the Holy Spirit).

(John 21:6) And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

At Jesus’ command, even the fish obeyed Him, and the disciples caught more fish than their net would usually be able to hold without tearing. Likewise, after they received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and began to fish for people, we are amazed at how many people came to believe in Jesus (“about three thousand,” see Acts 2:41).

(John 21:7) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved *said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea.

The writer of the Gospel of John identifies himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Knowing that Jesus loved all His disciples, he probably spoke this way as an expression of his humility, so as not to speak about himself by name with pride when he was involved in the narrative. Though John could not see to identify Jesus at that distance, he knew from the miracle (a miracle of Jesus that he had experienced at least once before) that the man on the shore was “the Lord” Jesus. Known for his eagerness, after putting on his outer garment, Peter jumped into the water and swam and/or wadded to shore (probably not even thinking about the water’s depth or knowing it was shallow that close to shore). Because Peter had once walked on water, he knew Jesus could save him no matter what the water’s depth.

(John 21:8) But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.

Since they could not haul the fish into the boat, they towed the net full of fish.

(John 21:9) So when they got out on the land, they *saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.

Jesus had not been out fishing for fish. Jesus fished for people; therefore, as the Lord of creation, Jesus worked a second miracle in their presence. He had created a fire and burning coals, and He had also created the fish on the fire and the bread “out of nothing.” As with creation, He spoke them into existence.

(John 21:10) Jesus *said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”

Jesus could have multiplied the fish and the bread that He had created; just as He had multiplied the fish and loaves to feed the thousands who came to hear Him teach (see Matthew 14:15-21). Whatever they did, Jesus wanted His disciples to obey Him and work with Him. The fish they had caught were important to Jesus and to them, and they had worked together to catch them. Jesus gave them a valuable practical and spiritual lesson.

(John 21:11) Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Though Peter had left His fellow fishermen to tow in the fish, he immediately obeyed the Lord Jesus before anyone else and dragged the net ashore. As commercial fishermen, they noted the number of large fish that were caught and marveled that with so many the net was not torn. On this morning, Peter demonstrated his desire to be with Jesus as soon as possible and to obey Jesus as quickly as possible. He became an example for all who would believe in and follow Jesus.

(John 21:12) Jesus *said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord.

Jesus knew about their labors of that night and early morning, and He was concerned about their physical and spiritual needs. If they were famished from hard work, they would not be able to concentrate on what He needed to teach them while and after they ate. Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed concern for the whole person, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and He did so here. In these early morning hours, the disciples knew by the way He spoke and acted that Jesus was alive from the dead and speaking to them once again.

(John 21:13) Jesus *came and *took the bread and *gave it to them, and the fish likewise.

Since Jesus was not a ghost, Jesus could personally and physically serve them by taking the bread and the fish and giving them their food. Notice: as King of kings, Jesus could have asked them to serve Him, that is the way of the world, but Jesus came as a servant and to give His life as a ransom for many. Earlier, Jesus had explained His relationship with them and how they should treat one another. In Matthew 20:25-28, we read: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

(John 21:14) This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.

The Gospel of John records three resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples. Before He appeared to His disciples, He appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18). On the evening of the first day of the week (on Resurrection Sunday), Jesus appeared to His disciples, but Thomas was not present (John 20:19-25). A week later (on Sunday), they were in the house again, when Thomas was present, and Jesus appeared to them again (John 20:26-29). Perhaps during these two appearances Jesus personally told them to go to Galilee. Jesus’ third appearance to them was in Galilee and likewise totally unexpected and perhaps on a Sunday (not the Jewish Sabbath). These three appearances to His disciples seemed the most important three for John to report. Indeed, John wrote: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31).

 

Loving Leads to Doing

April 8, 2018

John 21:1-14

 

“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’” (John 21:7). When Bible students think of the Apostle Peter, three or four events usually come to mind. He was the first disciple to confess that Jesus of Nazareth was the long-expected Messiah, and Jesus blessed him. On the night the Romans arrested Jesus, in his effort to defend Jesus, Peter cut off the right ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest, so Jesus healed Malchus. Then, unhappily, during Jesus’ trial, three times Peter denied that he knew Jesus, as Jesus had foretold. But Jesus loved Peter as He did all His disciples, so He began the process of restoring Peter to the apostleship He had planned for him. After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, before Jesus appeared to any of the other disciples, He first appeared to Peter. We do not know anything about their conversation, but Jesus totally transformed Peter. Peter came to love Jesus so much that the moment he learned Jesus was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee he alone jumped in the water and swam and wadded 100 yards to see Him. Then, when Jesus asked His disciples to bring Him some of the fish they had caught, Peter was the one who jumped up immediately to obey Jesus. As Peter confessed His love for Jesus, Jesus commissioned Peter three times to care for His people. Despite Peter’s previous misunderstandings and sins, after Jesus forgave him, Peter sought every opportunity to be with Jesus and the first to obey Him.

 

Thinking Further

Loving Leads to Doing

April 8, 2018

John 21:1-14

Name _____________________________

 

1. What reasons might Jesus have had for telling His disciples to go to Galilee where He would meet them?

 

 

2. Why do you think the disciples went fishing?

 

 

3. What do you think the disciples learned from their fishing experiences with Jesus?

 

 

4. How many times did Jesus appear to His disciples?

 

 

5. What fish did Jesus use to feed His disciples?

 

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. What reasons might Jesus have had for telling His disciples to go to Galilee where He would meet them? He wanted them to learn to keep obeying Him even though their situation with Him was now different. He wanted to protect them from the authorities who might seek them to kill them. He wanted them to be in a safe and familiar place with their families as they began to cope with all that had happened in Jerusalem. He wanted them to have quiet times to discuss and remember what they had been told by Him during His ministry and what He had told the two who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus about the Scriptures needing to be fulfilled by Him. Other reasons?

 

2. Why do you think the disciples went fishing? They needed to care for the needs of their families and themselves. Fishing was their occupation, and they were to keep doing all they knew to do until Jesus met them and called them to do something different (as He had done when they met Him the first time when they were fishing and He had called them to follow Him and learn how to fish for people).

 

3. What do you think the disciples learned from their fishing experiences with Jesus? Without Jesus, they could not succeed at anything, even the jobs they knew best how to do. That Jesus would meet their needs when they obeyed Him.

 

4. How many times did Jesus appear to His disciples? We do not know h0w many times Jesus appeared to His disciples over the forty days of His appearing. The Gospel 3 of John records three of the times Jesus appeared to His disciples.

 

5. What fish did Jesus use to feed His disciples? Before they came ashore, Jesus had fish on a fire that He had created “out of nothing;” then, the fish that He told the disciples to bring to Him.

 

 

Word Search

Loving Leads to Doing

April 8, 2018

John 21:1-14

Name _____________________________

 

 

D Q C A N A S S M N U B A C T

E R G P Q A T K I T X O E O A

L M K A M I C O J M I K G Y P

A W C O L B D K E Z O V Z S D

E R H G C I Q P S X G N A G S

V T Z E N W L Y U L O I R C E

E C L S V I B E S Q R Y G Y L

R H E B X D H N E E F P W Z P

Y I A T Q Y M S B N Z E R K I

E L N W S J L I I G E T V N C

S D A I O X T B M F B E X O S

U R H N F M H N E Y E R B C I

S E T S D N E I R F D C F V D

E N A J B W S P C X E S J G B

J Q N C G I Y W K B E G W A O

 

Disciples

Jesus

Galilee

Simon

Peter

Thomas

Twin

Nathanael

Cana

Zebedee

Fishing

Tiberias

Revealed

Children

Friends

 

 

 

 

True and False Test

Loving Leads to Doing

April 8, 2018

John 21:1-14

Name ______________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. The Sea of Galilee is the same as the Sea of Tiberias. True or False

 

2. Thomas was known as Didymus or the Twin. True or False

 

3. Simon Peter and Andrew were sons of Zebedee. True or False

 

4. From the shore, Jesus waved to the disciples to come eat. True or False

 

5. When Peter heard Jesus was on the shore, he was the first to go see Him. True or False

 

6. When Jesus asked for fish to be brought to Him, Peter rushed to obey Him. True or False

 

7. Jesus worked a miracle when He cooked fish and bread on a charcoal fire. True or False

 

8. After Jesus rose from the dead, He always appeared to His disciples when they were fishing. True or False

 

9. When Jesus appeared to His disciples on the shore, the disciples did not know who He was at first, so He showed them His hands. True or False

 

10. The disciples caught 153 large fish after Jesus told them where to fish. True or False

True and False Test Answers

John 21:1-14

 

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. False

10.True

 

 

Prayer

Father, may we acknowledge daily that You are with us, providing for our every need and empowering us to fulfill Your every task. May Your rule in the world find an anchor in our hearts. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.