Sunday School Lesson
June 13
Lesson 2 (KJV)
DELIVERED FROM FEAR
DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 107: 23–32
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8: 23–27; Mark 4: 35–41; Luke 8: 22–25
MATTHEW 8: 23–27
23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
KEY VERSE
He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.—Matthew 8: 26
CONFIDENT HOPE
Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith
LESSONS 1–5
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Recall key elements of Jesus’ stilling of the storm.
2. Compare and contrast the text with the other “little faith” passages of Matthew 6: 30; 14: 31; 16: 8; and Luke 12: 28 in their contexts.
3. Repent of an instance of a lack of faith.
HOW TO SAY IT
agoraphobia uh-gore-uh-foe-be-uh.
ailurophobia eye-lur-uh-foe-be-uh.
claustrophobia klaw-struh-foe-be-uh.
cynophobia sigh-nuh-foe-be-uh.
Gadarenes Gad-uh-reens.
Galilee Gal-uh-lee.
Gennesaret Geh-ness-uh-ret (G as in get).
Mediterranean Med-uh-tuh-ray-nee-un.
Pax Romana (Latin) Pahks Ro-mah-nah.
Introduction
A. What Are You Afraid Of?
Context can cause the question above to be answered in different ways. It all depends on when, where, why, how, and by whom it is asked.
As an honest inquiry into what causes fear, we know that people experience fears of various kinds. Some common fears are fears of open spaces (agoraphobia) and closed spaces (claustrophobia). Much rarer is a fear of dogs (cynophobia) and of cats (ailurophobia). Between these two is a list that is virtually endless. And fears are very individualized. Sometimes they seem to make little sense—such as fear of mice on the part of a strong, smart person. Fears may be connected with traumas that have left an indelible mark on a person.
There is another way we can use the title question: it can be meant rhetorically—as a statement rather than an inquiry. The sense is something like, “You know that you have no reason to be afraid.” We all wish that we could say this to ourselves and our fears would disappear. Unfortunately, fear tends to persist even when we try to reason ourselves out of it.
Fear, as a God-given self-defense mechanism, can trigger a reaction of fight, flight, or freeze. The problem is that the particular reaction that results may be irrationally inappropriate or even harmful in a given context. At lower levels, chronic fear can ruin appetite, raise blood pressure, and cause ulcers. Fear itself can kill.
Our text today is about a situation that provoked fear: the fear of death in a deadly situation. How Jesus spoke and acted in the face of that fear can teach us much about the Lord we serve.
B. Lesson Context: Sea of Galilee
Jesus’ ministry in Matthew’s Gospel takes place mostly in Galilee, the northern portion of ancient Israel. The region was named for the body of water at its center, known in the New Testament as the Sea of Galilee or the Sea of Tiberias (John 6: 1). It is about 41,000 acres in size, about 12 miles north to south and 7.5 miles east to west. Its size makes it more of a “lake” than a “sea”; by contrast, Lake Erie is about 150 times as large as the Sea of Galilee. Indeed, the latter is referred to as “the lake of Gennesaret” in Luke 5: 1. Nestled between steep hills on the east and west, one could stand on the hills and see to the other side. The distance would require much effort to row from one side to the other.
The Sea of Galilee was a center of fishing during the time of Jesus. Some of His 12 disciples had been fishermen there (Matthew 4: 18–22). These men had much experience with this lake and its dangers. In addition to fishing, the inhabitants of the area used the lake as a medium of transportation from one village to another. Rowing across the sea was faster than the alternative of walking around on shore. We can imagine that on a typical day the sea was dotted with small boats—some fishing, some carrying travelers. On most days, those boats carried their passengers safely.
C. Lesson Context: Miracles
Following the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 (see Lesson Context of lesson 1), which sets forth Jesus’ authority in teaching, chapters 8–9 focuses largely on Jesus’ miracles. These demonstrate His authority in actions as they consistently pointed to a power that could belong to God alone. With a word, Jesus was able to heal the sick (Matthew 8: 5–13), cleanse leprosy (Luke 17: 12–19; see lesson 5), cast out evil spirits (Mark 7: 24–30), and command the forces of nature (Mark 11: 12–14, 19–21). His miracles established that Jesus was either the most wonderful prophet ever sent by God or that He was something more than a prophet.
Jesus did not use His divine power for His own benefit (compare Matthew 4: 1–11; 26: 53). His miracles were for the sake of others, especially those whose situation seemed hopeless. As such, the miracles were signs that God’s kingdom—His promised reign over all creation that restores His righteous purpose—was breaking into the world. God’s reign would vanquish the sin-threat and its consequences. God’s people would then live in His presence, safe and secure, for eternity.
Jesus’ miracles demonstrated that promised future. His enemies attributed His ability to satanic powers (Matthew 12: 24) and mocked Him (27: 42). Still, Jesus made salvation possible by giving of His life. His resulting resurrection was His greatest act of power. But as we begin today’s text, that is yet a year or so in the future. (The events of today’s text are also recorded in Mark 4: 35–41 and Luke 8: 22–25.)
I. The Perilous Situation
(MATTHEW 8: 23–24)
A. Following Jesus (v. 23)
23a. And when he was entered into a ship.
This phrase invites the reader to connect this story to the ones just before it (Matthew 8: 18–22). There, Jesus encountered two men as He was about to cross the lake in a ship. Both wanted to follow Jesus, so Jesus pointed out the cost of doing so. God’s kingdom brings His promised blessings to His people, but it costs those people everything they have (Matthew 13: 44–46). It’s unclear from that text if either man ended up following Jesus (compare Luke 9: 57–62).
23b. His disciples followed him.
Matthew does not specify Jesus’ intended destination at this point (contrast Mark 4: 35; Luke 8: 22). In this Gospel, we have to wait until Matthew 8: 28 to discover that He and His disciples were headed to “the country of the Gergesenes,” on the other side of the lake.
We should note that any follower of Jesus may be referred to in the Gospels as a disciple (example: Matthew 27: 57). The term refers to a learner who accepts and assists in spreading the teaching of another. But since the ship obviously had some size limitations, the disciples mentioned were most likely only the 12 original ones (see Matthew 10: 1–4). As they boarded the ship, they did so in obedience, following their teacher. In Matthew’s Gospel, this band of disciples is just beginning to emerge as an identifiable unit.
Jesus did not choose these 12 because they were exemplary in every way, however. All four Gospels portray them largely as failing to understand Jesus’ mission (examples: Matthew 16: 13–27; Mark 10: 35–45; Luke 18: 15–17; John 4: 25–38). They were often fearful and spiritually deaf (examples: Matthew 14: 27; Mark 4: 40; Luke 9: 45). As he went to His death, He predicted that they would all fall away, even as He looked forward to welcoming them back after His resurrection (Matthew 26: 31–32; see 28: 16–20). They continued to misunderstand His mission at least up until the time of His ascension (Acts 1: 6).
B. In a Deadly Storm (v. 24)
24a. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves.
As sometimes happened on this lake, a storm arose that took the experienced boatmen by surprise. Storms in Galilee travel west to east from the Mediterranean Sea. The area to the immediate west of the lake consists of steep, high hills separated by narrow valleys. That means that storms can appear from the west with little warning for those on the lake since their view of approaching weather is blocked by the hills.
The remains of a first-century fishing boat was discovered along the shore in 1986. Its size (about 27 feet in length and 8 feet in width) indicates that waves of just a couple of feet could overwhelm such a vessel, especially when accompanied by rain. In deep water far from shore, these men faced death if their ship did not stay afloat.
24b. But he was asleep.
Mark’s account specifies that Jesus was “in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow” (Mark 4: 38). This refers to the stern of the vessel.
Somehow Jesus was sleeping through the rain, wind, waves, and noise. Was He so exhausted He could sleep through anything? Was His stamina so drained that He could not respond? The text does not say. Some students take the position that answering yes to either question would contradict what we and the disciples later learn about Jesus in Matthew 26: 36–45 and John 13: 3. Others think that a yes answer is possible based on Matthew 4: 2; 27: 32; and John 4: 6.
Either way, the fact of Jesus’ sleeping during a storm should not be bypassed too quickly. The psalmist presents sleep as the answer of a confident believer to the dangers of this world (see Psalms 3: 5; 4: 8). Jesus shows no fear because He truly has no reason to fear. We can safely assume that a deadly storm would awaken most, if not all, of us. But Jesus experienced a freedom from fear that is unlike any in our ordinary experience. This surely points to Jesus’ confidence in His identity. He knew His mission was leading Him to the cross (John 12: 23–36; 19: 30); He would not die on the sea.
What Do You Think? Under what circumstances should you not allow another person’s fear to become your own? Why?
Digging Deeper
What Scripture passages back up your position in this regard?
WHAT TO DO WHILE GOD “SLEEPS”
I woke to the sound of gunfire. Another conflict had erupted between refugees and the host community. Tens of thousands of refugees had fled their homeland, where planes were bombing their villages. Now they faced daily uncertainty: lack of food, lack of water. And whenever someone stole a goat or got into a fight, violence and retaliation quickly followed. Was God sleeping?
Some refugees and those of the host community had resorted to violence and vengeance in the midst of God’s apparent inaction. But others had developed a deep and transformative faith. Hassan (name changed) had chosen faith. Whenever his neighbors ran to get their rifles, Hassan would stop them and ask them to pray instead. Despite the danger, despite God’s seeming slumber, Hassan chose to trust God.
When God “sleeps” through your desperate need, will you respond with bitter violence, or will you step out in faith and encourage others to do the same? Remember: “he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121: 4).—D. G.
II. The Act of Deliverance
(MATTHEW 8: 25–27)
A. Cry of the Helpless (v. 25)
25a. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord.
Unlike Jesus, the disciples registered their peril. Their skills on the sea were not enough to protect them from this grave danger. They were all going to die! For Jesus to be sleeping through the storm was incomprehensible to them. They did not yet understand Jesus’ identity.
The disciples needed someone more powerful than themselves. And to their credit, they at least knew who that someone was. Other boats were also out on the water (Mark 4: 36), but the disciples were focused on their own peril as they addressed Jesus as Lord. This term ascribed authority to Him, but exactly what kind of authority they meant isn’t entirely clear.
While obviously God is often called Lord, the Greek word translated in this way can just mean master or sir (examples: Matthew 6: 24; 27: 63). It is possible that the disciples acknowledged Jesus as their teacher, but not as equal to God at this time. Perhaps that idea is like a seed in their minds, about to germinate.
Certainly the disciples had much still to learn about who Jesus is. Even when Peter later declared Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16: 16), the disciple immediately showed that what he had just confessed he did not yet understand (see 16: 21–27). A clearer understanding of what it meant for Jesus to be the Christ would not come to the disciples until after He rose to life from the grave (example: Luke 24: 26–34). Still, the disciples already knew enough to call Him Lord—one superior to them in authority in some way.
25b. Save us: we perish.
For many believers, the concept of being saved refers primarily (if not exclusively) to God’s gift of salvation from sin and death (example: Ephesians 2: 4–8). In Jesus’ day, however, the Greek word translated save and its variants were used for all kinds of rescuing. It was often used by political and military leaders who took credit for benefits they brought to the people they led. This was especially true of the emperors, who “saved” the people in their empire through the Pax Romana (the “Roman Peace”).
The Greek word behind the translation could also be used of any act that brought benefit to those in need or protection for those in danger (example: Luke 23: 39). Clearly the disciples were asking Jesus to save them from drowning in the stormy sea, not requesting eternal salvation.
We too cry out to Jesus in this way at times. We also fear perishing physically because of events—some of our own making—in this sin-sick world. When we look at the disciples in this account, in many ways we are looking in a mirror.
B. An Authoritative Word (v. 26)
26a. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
The disciples had enough reason to trust Jesus in this terrible storm. The mighty power He had already demonstrated was more than adequate evidence (examples: Matthew 4: 23–25; 8: 1–13).
Their fear stemmed from their little faith. The word being translated occurs five times in the Gospels (here and Matthew 6: 30 [see lesson 1]; 14: 31; 16: 8; and Luke 12: 28). Its use indicates a mild rebuke. If they had much faith, they could trust that Jesus would act for them, even if He did not act immediately. By this point in their experience with Jesus, the disciples should have been able to recognize that such dangers pose no real threat, given the evidence of miracles. This fact should have resulted in showing more courage when facing situations that normally result in fear and anxiety. The five uses of “little faith” reveal sadly that this would not be the last time Jesus would chastise them in this regard.
Jesus’ words challenged the disciples to let their faith grow to fit the magnitude of their Lord’s power and His gracious goodwill to use it on their behalf. Elsewhere, Jesus taught that “faith as a grain of mustard seed” could move a mountain (Matthew 17: 20). Little faith has potential, but in this case fear weakened it.
What Do You Think?
Realizing that fear is a God-given emotion, how will you know when a reaction of fear is natural and when it indicates lack of faith?
Digging Deeper
How do John 7: 13; 9: 22; 12: 42; 1 Peter 3: 6, 14; 1 John 4: 18; and Revelation 2: 10 help frame your answer?
26b. Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Jesus’ rebuke of the winds and the sea is something of a counterpart to His rebuke of the disciples’ little faith. Some believe that the Lord will meet their needs only if they have enough faith to satisfy Him. But Jesus saves the small of faith even as He urges them on to greater faith. We should realize, however, that having little faith is perilously close to having no faith (compare Matthew 17: 14–20). And, paradoxically, belief and unbelief can exist side by side (Mark 9: 24).
For a moment, the act of saving in the lesson text foreshadows saving for eternity. The angel announced to Joseph before Jesus’ birth, “He shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1: 21).
Jesus’ mighty deeds were visible signs of the greater work He would do to cleanse the guilty and restore them as God’s eternal people (Titus 2: 11–14).
Jesus’ followers went on to face many perilous situations that could easily—and often did—take their lives. They ultimately learned to rely on Jesus to protect them, even to restore life by resurrection (2 Corinthians 4: 17). He will always use His almighty, divine power for the long-term benefit of those who love Him. That is true even when (or especially when) the situation seems hopeless and He seems unresponsive to our need (compare Job 30: 20; Psalm 22: 2; Revelation 6: 10).
What Do You Think?
How would you respond to someone who takes today’s text to mean we shouldn’t bother to wear life jackets when out boating because Jesus is always with us?
Digging Deeper
Going the other way, at what point does a concern for “safety first” become an idol?
PRAYING FROM FEAR TO FAITH
At 2: 00 a.m. I was still on my knees crying out desperately to the Lord. Foremost on my mind was a stormy conflict that had been brewing between two Christian groups. One group was bent on a course of action that I thought would be disastrous. I begged God to intervene.
As I pleaded with God to prevent this other group’s plans, it felt like God spoke silently in a bemused tone, “Would it really be so bad?” The simple rebuke completely changed my outlook. I calmed down, thinking, Where is my faith? Can’t God work through this other group too?
At that point my prayer shifted from one of desperate pleading to one of trusting that God would accomplish what He desired through whichever group He chose to work through. That would happen even if I didn’t understand. Are your prayers filled with anxious worry or with joyful trust? Can you faithfully follow the one who commands sky and sea—the one who loves us more than we can imagine—regardless of the storm around you? If not, why not?—D. G.
C. A Response of Amazement (v. 27)
27a. But the men marvelled.
As God’s words put the waters of the seas in their place (Genesis 1: 9–10), so Jesus’ words did with the storm. The New Testament makes clear that Jesus is the Creator. That the Creator is able to command His own creation in a miraculous way should not surprise us (see John 11: 1–4; Colossians 1: 16). But witnessing Jesus’ power at work makes the disciples awestruck. This is the frequent reaction when people see Jesus’ mighty power at work in the form of miracles and in word (examples: Matthew 9: 33; 15: 31; 21: 20; 22: 22; 27: 14). Mark emphasizes only the great fear of the disciples (Mark 4: 41).
What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, is it appropriate to cause fear in another person?
Digging Deeper
What Scripture passages back you up on
27b. Saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
The disciples recognized that what Jesus did was not the work of an ordinary man. The disciples were experiencing what some call “cognitive dissonance” today. What they saw—Jesus commanding the winds and the sea and both obeying Him—did not match their normal, day to day experience that storms do not obey human commands.
Psalm 107: 23–32 describes a scene very much like the one the disciples had just experienced. Men went out to sea, witnessing the wonders of the waters God created. A storm arose, lifting huge waves, provoking terror in the sailors. They cried out to the Lord, the God of Israel, for protection. God stilled the storm, eliciting joy and thanksgiving from those whose lives had been spared. There was no doubt who had saved them (compare Jonah 2: 1–9).
Jesus had just done what the psalmist described God as doing. Only the one who created the wind and the waves in the first place can command them. In Jesus, God had become a man. Because of His mighty power that He graciously exercised on humanity’s behalf, they had nothing to fear.
Conclusion
A. Faith Silences Fear
What do you fear? Typically, the things that make us most afraid are those that threaten us in some way because we can’t control them. Instead of praying first, we first try our best to gain control. But in the end we recognize that our control is very limited. Disease stalks even those who eat right and exercise. Financial crises strike even the prudent. Accidents happen to the careful. Our protective reach cannot constantly extend as far as those we love.
There is a far superior alternative to trying to maintain control over our circumstances first and, when that fails, turning to the Lord. The alternative is to reverse those priorities. Because Jesus gave His life for us, we can surely trust Him to do for us what He did for 12 men of little faith in a small ship—and more.
The created world is filled with mortal dangers. Our reaction should be that of the psalmist:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. (Psalm 91: 1–3).
What Do You Think?
What action will you take to overcome your most troubling fear?
Digging Deeper
Who can you confide in to help you through this struggle?
B. Prayer
Lord God, we confess that we are a fearful people. Our faith is small. Help us grow in faith as we freely confess our mixture of belief and unbelief as did the man in Mark 9: 24 as we entrust ourselves to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Allow the Lord to grow your faith and silence your fears.
KID’S CORNER
Loving Leads to Doing
Sunday, June 13, 2021
John 21:1-8
John 21:1-8
Matthew concluded his gospel with the Great Commission to all who saw Jesus ascend into heaven on Ascension Sunday (Matthew 28:16-20). Mark also ended his gospel with a commission from Jesus in Mark 16:14-15, “Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” Luke also concluded his gospel with Jesus reminding His disciples that they were to testify about Him, but they were to wait until they had received the power from on high. In Luke 24:48-49, Jesus said, “You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high,” which happened on Pentecost Sunday. Likewise, John concluded his gospel with a commission to all Jesus’ disciples through Peter and the other fishermen disciples. They were to follow Jesus supremely and Peter who was to tend Jesus’ sheep as their leader. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus had commissioned Peter to lead the New Testament Church with these words, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
(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 Greek New Testament, the KJV, the NASB, and the NRSV use “the Sea of Tiberias” name in this verse—the NIV uses “the Sea of Galilee” name. 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 where He 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 told them He would (see also Mark 16:7). It is fitting that Jesus would appear to them like He had at their first meeting and do what He did before so they would recognize Him and He could confirm that they were now fully prepared to fish for people, His sheep. Jesus did not restrict himself to appearing to His disciples only when they were in prayer or gathered for fellowship. Jesus could appear, and did appear, to them when they were hard at work fishing early in the morning. Jesus appeared to them as the angel of the LORD sometimes appeared to His judges and prophets in the Old Testament when they were doing hard work. For example, in Judges 6:11, when God called Gideon we read, “Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the oak at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.” Jesus can also get our attention in the midst of a busy life while we are working hard, for God seeks and calls those who know how to work hard and who will work hard to do His will as faithful servants. Still, our hearts and minds are more attuned to learning of Him and discovering His will for us during prayer, Bible study, Christian fellowship, and worship.
(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.
It seems that only those disciples who were fishermen were present when Jesus appeared to them from the shore of the Sea of Tiberias, for they all went fishing. 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 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 speculation—the Bible does not tell us specifically.
(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).
About three years earlier, 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, when they went fishing with Peter, during the night they caught nothing, but in the early morning hours Jesus appeared to them and with His help they soon caught a great haul of fish. Likewise, they would not be able to fish for people successfully without Jesus’ help. Peter showed that he was a natural born leader when he called out that he was going fishing and the others wanted to go with him. After the Holy Spirit indwelt Peter on the Day of Pentecost, God enhanced his leadership skills and he preached the first sermon the disciples preached about Jesus, which led to about three thousand people coming to faith in Jesus and joining the Church in one day (see Acts 2:41).
(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, the Son of God, would have had no problem speaking to them no matter how far away. In the Greek New Testament, Jesus called them “Children” (see also KJV, NASB, NRSV—NIV calls them “Friends”). The Greek word means small children who need to be taught, 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, but they still needed to learn more from Jesus. Not knowing it 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.
Jesus commanded them to cast their net on “the right side of the boat” where the fish were. They had to obey Jesus to catch the fish where Jesus had brought them. If we want to be successful according to the will of God, we must do as Jesus has commanded. If they had not obeyed Jesus, they would not have caught any 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. They caught so many fish that working together they were not strong enough to haul the fish-filled net into the boat. 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 after one sermon (“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.
In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” With good and inspired hearing, John recognized Jesus’ voice and His presence from their immediate success at fishing with His help. 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. Immediately, after Peter learned this, he clothed himself appropriately and he jumped into the sea to be with the Lord. For freedom of movement, the fisherman took off their outer clothing that encumbered them. 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 from experience that it was shallow that close to shore).
(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 with them as they made their way to shore. When they recognized Jesus, they did not leave their important work of fishing behind them or let their net full of fish drop back into the sea to hurry ashore, for Jesus had given them a command to meet their needs—the task of catching fish on the right side of their boat. They determined to do all that Jesus commanded them as they hurried to meet Him with their catch of fish.
Sunday, June 13, 2021
John 21:1-8
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 (John 21:7—KJV).
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 (John 21:7—NASB).
That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea (John 21:7—NRSV).
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 ransformed 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
Sunday, June 13, 2021
John 21:1-8
Name _______________________________
1. What reasons might Jesus have had for telling His disciples to go to Galilee where He would meet them? See Mark 16:7.
2. Who among the disciples seems to be a natural leader? Can you give one or more examples?
3. Why do you think the disciples went fishing?
4. What do you think the disciples learned from their fishing experiences with Jesus?
5. How do you think John knew that it was the Lord?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. What reasons might Jesus have had for telling His disciples to go to Galilee where He would meet them?
See Mark 16:7. 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. Who among the disciples seems to be a natural leader? Can you give one or more examples?
Peter seemed to be a natural leader and Jesus enhanced his leadership skills. He was the one who suggested they go fishing. He was the one who jumped out of the boat to go see Jesus and the rest followed in the boat. He was the first one to declare Jesus was the Messiah. He was the first one to tell Jesus that he would die for Him. He was the first (and last) one to draw a sword to defend Jesus when He was arrested.
3. 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).
4. 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. Jesus would meet their needs when they obeyed Him.
5. How do you think John knew that it was the Lord?
John knew immediately that only Jesus could tell them where to fish and then exceed their expectations when they obeyed Him and fish where He told them. He may have had better eyesight than Peter.
Word Search
Loving Leads to Doing
Sunday, June 13, 2021
John 21:1-8
Name ____________________________
T D A N A C R T I J E K B G F
C V A Z S N K E W S A M O H T
K X B Y P V L A T Z F L A W R
I G T S B Q H O V E E E T V B
H C J W C R S B R A P E B N E
Q U Z S I B E P N D C D V W X
H K P V Q N W A M E H E P M U
V U I T O G H U K S I B W K Z
O L N M F T O F A T L E X Y L
S E F D A U I I S W D Z H S T
G U R N R S R C U B R M D I A
P E A O H E K L S O E H E M D
X J W I B A D B E R N U J O Z
T F N I N U L X J G H B S N U
D G T O J B G A L I L E E Y A
Tiberias
Simon
Peter
Thomas
Twin
Nathanael
Cana
Galilee
Zebedee
Fishing
Boat
Daybreak
Children
Lord
Hundred
True and False Test
Loving Leads to Doing
Sunday, June 13, 2021
John 21:1-8
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Jesus appeared to His twelve disciples at the Sea of Tiberias when they were fishing. True or False
2. Matthew kept the common purse of the fishermen after Judas betrayed Jesus. True or False
3. Nathanael of Cana in Galilee went fishing with Peter and John.
True or False
4. After the disciples fished all night, they caught nothing. True or False
5. Jesus called His disciples children when He asked about their success at fishing. True or False
6. Jesus told His disciples to cast their net on the right side of their boat. True or False
7. The net of the disciples held so many fish that they could not haul it in. True or False
8. After Peter saw Jesus on the shore he jumped into the water and went to see Jesus. True or False
9. The net was so full of fish that the disciples had to drag the net full of fish. True or False
10. The disciples were about the length of a football field away from the shore. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
Prayer
Lord God, we confess that we are a fearful people. Our faith is small. Help us grow in faith as we freely confess our mixture of belief and unbelief as did the man in Mark 9: 24 as we entrust ourselves to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.