Today we are reading John 21. In this chapter we Jesus appears to His disciples while they were fishing. “Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 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. 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. 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. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.” John 21:4-13 ESV Why did Jesus appear to His disciples in this context? For many of the disciples, the Sea of Galilee was home and it reminded them of their three years with Jesus. Notice Peter’s reaction—he throws himself into the sea in an effort to get to Jesus as quickly as possible! Immediately following breakfast, Jesus restores Peter. With Jesus, everything has a purpose. Strengthening the faith of the disciples and restoring Peter was the purpose here. Who do you know who needs to be strengthened and restored? Pray for them and encourage them! Pastor Tim
