The Large Catch of Fish (John 21:3-8)

Lesson #335

We ended the previous lesson with the seven disciples returning to shore after fishing all night, but catching nothing. The same thing happened in Luke 5:4 – 6 at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. “Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus” (John 21:4 ESV). There is nothing mysterious here as some people think. John reported that day was just breaking and as a result there was not enough light to clearly make out who was on shore. In the minds of the disciples it could have been almost anyone.

“Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”” (John 21:5 ESV). Calling out “Children”, Jesus is expressing friendship and affection to those in the boat. Jesus was probably not asking them for food, but helping them realize that they were not successful in going back to their old way of life. Now that he has their attention, “He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish” (John 21:6 ESV). No reason is given why Jesus instructed them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. In the Luke account they argued with Jesus telling them it was a waste of effort, but here they responded and were quickly rewarded with a large catch of fish.

That large catch of fish must have really caused them to think back several years when they had the big catch and needed help bringing them in because: “That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea” (John 21:7 ESV). John was the first to recognize Jesus, maybe because of his close friendship with him. When this announcement from John was made, things quickly came together for Peter and he took action by putting on his outer garment and getting into the sea.

Being stripped for work meant that he had removed his coat and maybe his shirt. These he put back on and went overboard. They were close to shore, which allowed Peter to walk in because he would not try to swim ashore from farther out wearing a coat. Casting himself into the sea may have been a way of expressing that Peter was excited and in a hurry to get too short to see Jesus.

“The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off” (John 21:8 ESV). Finally, they were all back on shore with a great supply of fish that they could sell and make some money to live on for a while. Being on shore together with Jesus sets the stage for the next lesson.  

Prayer

Father, the disciples must have been very tired and discouraged from working all night and catching nothing. How special it was of Jesus to show up at this time of need, provide the necessary food for breakfast, which he enjoyed with them. How often Jesus shows up during our time of need and discouragement to help us. Father, I can’t begin to imagine what it will be like to spend an eternity with you, free from sin and enjoying everything we need. What joy that given me in just thinking about it.