Sunday, March 28, 2021
John 20:1-14
“Go Fish!”
Service Orientation: The King of kings is calling, are you listening? Success is closer than we think when we take our orders from Him.
Memory Verse for the Week: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
Background Information:
- The leadership of Simon Peter is apparent at this point. Whether he was actuated by the need of earning money for his family or whether he simply wanted some activity to relieve the mental tension after the preceding fortnight in Jerusalem is speculative. The others assented to Peter’s proposal; so they embarked in a boat that was available for a night of fishing. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 199)
- The observation of the exact number of the fish and the fact that the net did not break reflect both an eyewitness account and a fisherman’s perspective. John was impressed by the numerical size of the catch and the preservation of the net under the stress. Numerous attempts have been made to establish a symbolic meaning for the number of the fish, but no solid results have been achieved. All attempts are too fanciful to be credible. (Gæbelein, 200)
- The story begins with Peter announcing, as if on a whim, I am going out to fish (John 21:3a). Nothing blameworthy should be seen in this expedition. The disciples, after all, were in Galilee at Jesus’ command and had not yet been sent back to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. Since they had been told only that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Matt. 28:10), there was nothing for them to do but wait for Him to show up. As they waited, what better use of time could fishermen imagine than fishing? The fact that six other disciples joined Peter in the outing demonstrated yet again his leading role among them. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 244)
- The varied details of chapter 21 supply a most instructive and marvelously complete lesson on service. In the previous chapter we have seen the Savior establishing the hearts of the apostles by His word of “Peace,” endowing them with the Holy Spirit, and then commissioning them to proclaim remission of sins. Here we have, in symbolic form, the apostles engaged in active ministry. The order is most suggestive. What we receive from the Lord Jesus is to be used for the good of others. Freely we have received, freely we are now to give. The key to the practical significance of the scene here portrayed lies in the almost identical circumstances when the apostles received their first ministerial call—Luke 5. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 941)
- The appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection, described in these verses, is a deeply interesting portion of the Gospel history. The circumstances attending it have always been regarded as highly allegorical and figurative, in every age of the Church. (Ryle, John Vol.2, 205)
- v5) The word translated friends (paidiai) is more literally “children” or even “little children. ” … Thus, this greeting was unusual and so would have sounded strange to the disciples, all the more so because they did not know who was calling them. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 491)
The question to be answered is…
How might this text serve to stimulate or bolster our faith in light of the implications of Palm Sunday?
Answer…
Making Jesus king entails actually listening to him. And while the Palm Sunday crowd failed in this regard, we see here what happens when we actually listen to Jesus, success.
The word of the day is… Listen
What should we stop to notice and consider through the progression of this text?
- The disciple’s admitted failure. (v.5)
(Psalm 145:14; Proverbs 28:13; Romans 3:23; 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
That night they catch nothing (v.3), a graphic portrayal of barrenness. They have done what they thought was the right thing but experience utter failure. This prepares them to learn one of the central lessons of discipleship—apart from Jesus they can do nothing (15:5). Jesus has taught this lesson before, for “never in the Gospels do the disciples catch a fish without Jesus’ help” (Brown 1970:1071)! But they need the lesson repeated, as we often do as well. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 490)
- The fruit of the disciple’s obedience. (v.6)
(1 Samuel 15:22; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalm 112:1; 119:30; Isaiah 1:19; John 14:21; Hebrews 5:9)
Suitably was it the last miracle which they witnessed at the hands of their Master, for it supplied a symbol which would continually animate them to and in their service for Him. It was designed to assure them that just as He had prospered their efforts while He was with them in the flesh, so they could count on His guidance, power, and blessing when He was absent from them. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 942)
Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of the years, but by obedience to the will of God. (Oswald Chambers, Bringing Sons into Glory and Making All Things New, 56)
- What catalyzed their recognition of Jesus. (v.7)
(Luke 5:1-11; John 10:27)
A primary obligation of the church in the world is fishing or evangelism. This specific idea was far from the apostles’ minds as they fished that day, but clearly that is what John wanted us to see. Remember the first fishing miracle three years earlier when Christ said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Evangelism is to have a prominent place in the ministry of the church. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 421)
There will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God. (D.L. Moody, Short Talks, 36)
- The Lord’s care and service towards them. (vv.10-13)
(Mark 9:41; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 4:9)
Even in His resurrection-glory He was not unmindful of their physical needs. Ever thoughtful, ever compassionate for His own, the Savior here showed His toiling disciples that He cared for their bodies as well as their souls. if the Son of God condescended to spread this table for His children after their night of toil, let us not think it beneath us to take loving forethought whenever we have the opportunity of ministering to the physical comfort of His servants: even a cup of water given in His name will yet be rewarded. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 948)
Tired, hungry, and frustrated, these discouraged disciples needed a lift. They lacked direction and they were uncertain of the Lord’s presence and help. Jesus came to them, made his presence known, and gave them direction. Are you discouraged in your work for the Lord? Jesus is prepared for you; he has a gracious welcome waiting. He offered the disciples a warm fire and breakfast. He also wants to give you sustenance, comfort, and fellowship. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 403)
Conclusion… What should we be asking ourselves in light of this text and Palm Sunday?
A. Have I admitted my failure to Jesus and made him king over my life?
(1 Samuel 15:22; Luke 6:46; 13:3; Romans 3:23; 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 1:9; 3:24)
Whatever their motives, fishing was a familiar activity that gave them a sense of normalcy and comfort. It gave them something to do and time to sort out their thoughts. But their efforts yielded nothing. Many times our efforts at work, parenting, or ministry leave us with only “empty nets.” The Lord allows us to experience lack of productivity, frustrations, and failure to bring us closer to him and to help us rely on him, not on our own resourcefulness. When you feel tired and empty, listen for Jesus’ words to you. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 401)
We live out a tragedy of the greatest proportions when we will not even admit to ourselves that we have failed, whether it be in devotion to God, in relation to one another, or in our calling to serve. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 423)
B. Am I able to recognize and respond to his voice when he calls?
(Jeremiah 7:23; John 8:47; 10:27; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 3:15)
When we hear His call and respond appropriately, there will be no limit to what God can and will do through His people. But if we do not even recognize when He is speaking, we are in trouble at the very heart of our relationship to Him. (Henry Blackaby, What the Spirit Is Saying to the Churches, 17)
People who make decisions based merely on what seems most advisable to them will inevitably choose something inferior to God’s best. (Henry Blackaby, Hearing God’s Voice, 5)
C. Do I look to Jesus to define and grant success in my life, or am I doing things my own way?
(Pro. 16:3; Isaiah 41:13; Jeremiah 29:11; Colossians 3:23-24; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
Of course we are to work hard. Of course we are to be organized. Of course there is no excuse for laziness, sloppiness, half-heartedness in the kingdom of God. If it’s God’s work we’re doing, we must do it with all our might. But let’s have no nonsense about it all being up to us, about poor old Jesus being unable to lift a finger unless we lift it for him. In fact, we are much more likely to work effectively once we get rid of that paranoia-inducing notion. Jesus remains sovereign. Thank God for that. (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 160)
It is so easy to think we can do spiritual work on our own. We think that if we are overloaded and busy, God will understand if we do not take time to ask his direction. But Jesus says whatever is done like that amounts to nothing. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 421)
Gospel Application…
The good news for today is that Jesus still offers himself to anyone willing to make him their king. He’s calling, are you listening?
Let us not condemn others as graceless and unconverted, because they do not see the path of duty from our stand-point, or feel things exactly as we feel them. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 206)
The resurrection of Christ is the grand proof of Christ’s divine mission. He told the Jews they need not believe He was the Messiah, if He did not rise again the third day. The resurrection of Christ is the top-stone of the work of redemption. It proved that He finished the work He came to do, and, as our Substitute, had overcome the grave. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 207)
Jesus called the disciples and us to be “fishers of men.” This phrase was not invented by Jesus; it had been used for years by Greek and Roman teachers. To be a “fisher of men” in that day meant to seek to persuade men and “catch” them with the truth. A fisherman catches living fish, but when he gets them, they die. A Christian witness seeks to catch “dead fish” (dead in their sins), and when he or she “catches” them, they are made alive in Christ! (Wiersbe, 317)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus asked them what they had caught? (v. 5) Do you think they were reluctant to cast their nets on the other side? Why or why not?
- Why do you think the disciples went fishing after all that had just happened?
- How do you think the disciples felt when a stranger told them how to fish? How do you think they felt after their catch?
- How is Peter’s reaction to Jesus different from the others? What might this indicate? Would you say you are more like him—or them?
Quotes to note…
Three “invitations” stand out in John’s gospel: “Come and see” (John 1:39); “Come and drink” (John 7:37); and “Come and dine” (John 21:12). How loving of Jesus to feed Peter before He dealt with his spiritual needs. He gave Peter opportunity to dry off, get warm, satisfy his hunger, and enjoy personal fellowship. This is a good example for us to follow as we care for God’s people. Certainly the spiritual is more important than the physical, but caring for the physical can prepare the way for spiritual ministry. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 317)
As we admire the beauties of nature, as we observe the orderliness of her laws, as we receive countless mercies and blessings every day, let us say “It is the Lord!” So, too, when our plans go awry, when disappointment, affliction, persecution comes our way, still let us own “It is the Lord!” It is not blind chance which rules our lives, but the One who died for us on the cross. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 947)
Nothing can account for the rise and progress of Christianity but the direct interposition of God. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 206)
The Church of Christ needs servants of all kinds, and instruments of every sort; pen-knives as well as swords, axes as well as hammers, chisels as well as saws, Marthas as well as Marys, Peters as well as Johns. Let our ruling maxim be this, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” (Ephes. 6:24.) (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 206)
Along with the emphasis on evangelism, the picture in John 21 suggests hard work. Fishing, both for men and for food, is exhausting, time-consuming labor. In all of this we are to realize that without Christ we can do nothing. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 421)
Our works for him are of eternal value. He encourages his disciples to bring some of their catch, and he accepts their service and adds the result of their toil to the provision he has already prepared. He did not need their contribution. He could have multiplied what he already had. But he was teaching them, and us, that the believer’s works are valued by him and are of eternal consequence. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 424)
All those in the boat are to be involved in fishing and casting and recasting our nets. As Christ’s followers, we are all called to face the same realities, to be honest about what is really happening in our lives. And as believers, the most creative, life-giving words we may ever utter are, “I have caught nothing.” “Christianity, from Golgotha onwards, has been the sanctification of failure.” Fundamental to living productively in this age is an honesty with ourselves and with God. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 425)
Love does not act uniformly; it expresses itself differently, through various temperaments. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 948)
In the midst of laboring for others, our own souls need warming and feeding—a lesson which many a servant of God has failed to heed. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 948)
Every success in a disciple’s labor is but the fruit of Jesus’ work. In fact, the “limited fruit” of Jesus’ earthly ministry has been followed by the massive harvest of His heavenly ministry as disciples still proclaim the gospel throughout the world in His name. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 246)
The Gospel narratives suggest that although they followed Jesus in the sense that they gladly heard His teaching and submitted to Him as their Teacher, they remained at their full-time jobs, earning a living through regular employment. That is why from this point until Jesus called them to full-time ministry, we often see them fishing and mending their nets. (MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men (p. 3). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.)
“Appeared,” translated as “happened” at its second occurrence in this verse, is a characteristic Johannine word. It was the most frequently used to denote the self revelation of Christ (1:31; 2:11; 9:3):It occurs three times in the Epilogue (21:1 his, 14) in preparation for the final revelation of Jesus regarding the commissioning of Peter for his coming ministry. The First Epistle of John uses the term in the same way concerning both the incarnate Christ (1:2; 3:5, 8; 4:9) and his return (2:28; 3:2). Not only was this occasion an appearance of Christ after his resurrection, but it was also a disclosure of his purpose for the disciples. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 198)
5 Literally, in the Greek, Jesus was asking the disciples whether they had anything to eat; but in this context it is clear that he was referring to fish, as NIV so renders. The construction of the question implies that he knew they had caught nothing. This was confirmed by their dispirited answer: “No.” (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 199)
Peter’s quick reaction revealed his real feeling toward Jesus. Grasping his outer cloak, which he had laid aside to give him more freedom in working, he wrapped it around himself and dived overboard. His eagerness to see Jesus was consistent with his former profession of loyalty, which he had intended to keep and had not. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 200)
The Lord had instructed His disciples to meet Him in Galilee, which helps to explain why they were at the Sea of Galilee, or Sea of Tiberias (Matt. 26:32; 28:7–10; Mark 16:7). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 316)
it is interesting that at least seven of the twelve disciples were probably fishermen. Why did Jesus call so many fishermen to follow Him? For one thing, fishermen are courageous, and Jesus needs brave people to follow Him. They are also dedicated to one thing and cannot easily be distracted. Fishermen do not quit! (We are thinking, of course, of professional fishermen, not people relaxing on vacation!) They know how to take orders, and they know how to work together. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 317)
We are never far from success when we permit Jesus to give the orders, and we are usually closer to success than we realize. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 317)
We should observe, for one thing, in these verses, the poverty of the first disciples of Christ. We find them working with their own hands, in order to supply their temporal needs, and working at one of the humblest of callings–the calling of a fisherman. Silver and gold they had none, lands and revenues they had none, and therefore they were not ashamed to return to the business to which they had, most of them, been trained. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 205)
The poverty of the Apostles goes far to prove the divine origin of Christianity. These very men who toiled all night in a boat, dragging about a cold wet net, and taking nothing–these very men who found it necessary to work hard in order that they might eat–these very men were some of the first founders of the mighty Church of Christ, which has now overspread one-third of the globe. These were they who went forth from an obscure corner of the earth, and turned the world upside own. These were the unlearned and ignorant men, who boldly confronted the subtle systems of ancient philosophy, and silenced its advocates by the preaching of the cross. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 205-206)
We should observe, for another thing, in these verses, the different characters of different disciples of Christ. Once more, on this deeply interesting occasion, we see Peter and John side by side in the same boat, and once more, as at the sepulcher, we see these two good men behaving in different ways. When Jesus stood on the shore, in the dim twilight of the morning, John was the first to perceive who it was, and to say, “It is the Lord;” but Peter was the first to spring into the water, and to struggle to get close to his Master. In a word, John was the first to see; but Peter was the first to act. John’s gentle loving spirit was quickest to discern; but Peter’s fiery, impulsive nature was quickest to stir and move. And yet both were believers, both were true-hearted disciples, both loved the Lord in life, and were faithful to Him unto death. But their natural temperaments were not the same. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 206)
Those who in modern times say they are not convinced, may as well say that they are determined not to believe any evidence at all. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 206)
JOHN 21 is essentially an epilogue to the fourth Gospel, recording occurrences after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The opening event of this chapter, which focuses on an all-night fishing expedition by the apostolic band, is a living parable of how the risen Lord relates to his servants as they toil in this world. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 419)
By this time the dizzying whirl of Passover week and the numbing horror of the crucifixion had been replaced by the bounding victory and cheer of the empty tomb. Jesus had even appeared to them through closed doors. Doubting Thomas had cried, “My Lord and my God!” (20:28). The disciples had been vindicated. They felt the surge of new hope. At this moment in time they had traveled the eighty miles from Jerusalem back up to Galilee. They needed that warm sunlit time. The conversation must have been lively. Old mysteries were rehashed, and some were cleared up. The Scriptures were avidly discussed. There was talk about the future. Most of all, there was talk, incessant talk, about Jesus. When would they see him again? What would he say? What would he do? The possibilities were delicious. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 420)
The disciples were pros at fishing. They paid careful attention to equipment, greater attention to strategy. Peter and John knew how the fish surfaced, how to dip the oars quietly, how to cast the net. We know so many things about evangelism and ministry, but the Lord says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (15:5). (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 421)
The disciples acknowledged their failure. I like to imagine that if the disciples had lied, Jesus would have disappeared or walked on the water to see their catch. But they told the truth. Malcolm Muggeridge has said that failure is the most creative phenomenon of life, and that is true. If we did not fail, we would never make any progress. Failure demands that we assess our past methods to see what we have done right or wrong. Failure helps us discard the moribund and obsolete and opens us to new ideas. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 422)
It is in the breaking of these clay vessels, our failures, that the riches of God are exposed for all to see. It is primarily our failures that create in us a poverty of spirit and thus make us fit receptacles for the blessings of the kingdom of God. That is why “Christianity, from Golgotha onwards, has been the sanctification of failure.” (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 422)
Christ knew the disciples had not caught any fish. He knew everything about them. It is to the disciples’ eternal credit that when asked about their catch, they admitted they had caught nothing. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 423)
In John 6:1 we read, “The sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias,” the latter being its Roman name. In Matthew 28:10 we learn that the risen Savior had said to the women at the sepulcher, “Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” This, then, explains the presence of the seven disciples here in Galilee. Where the other four were, and why they had not yet arrived, we do not know. But it seems clear that these seven had no business there at the sea, for Matthew 28:16 distinctly says, “The eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 944)
That Peter is here seen taking the lead is in full accord with what we read elsewhere of his impulsive and impetuous nature. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 944)
How this evidences the Deity of the One here speaking to these disciples! He knew on which side of the ship the net should be cast. But more, did it not show them, and us, that He is sovereign of the sea? These men had fished all their lives, yet had they toiled throughout that night and taken nothing. But here was the Lord telling them to cast their net but once, and assuring them they should find. Was it not He, by His invisible power, that drew the fishes into their net! And what a striking line is this picture of Christian service. How He tells the servants that success in their ministry is due not to their eloquence, their power of persuasion, or their any thing, but due alone to His sovereign drawing-power. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 946)
We don’t know why Peter got up the fishing expedition. Their funds may have been depleted and their food supplies low. Or, there could have been an unsettled feeling of transition upon them as Jesus appeared and disappeared throughout that post-Resurrection period prior to Pentecost. (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 171)
This Gospel does not end with the faith of Thomas in the risen Lord, “but with a confident statement that Jesus’ mission to the world undertaken at His command and under His authority will be the means by which many are saved. It is as if John had second thoughts after seeming to conclude the Gospel by stating the purpose of his writing (20:31). He must now conclude his testimony by making it clear that the church has been given an urgent, worldwide mission by the resurrected Lord. This mission is set forth in the familiar imagery and setting of fishing and caring for sheep. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 292)
Seven of the disciples have gone back to the well-known haunts of the Tiberias to fish. Once again the lake is given its Greek name, for the mission is to the world. These men need time to work things through. The events of the last days have been overwhelming. Their whole world has been shaken, and they are baffled and confused. What can they do next? So when Peter says, “l am going fishing, ” six of the other disciples join him (v. 3). Here is something they know and understand and feel comfortable doing. Even the way they refer to ‘ ‘the boat” rather than a boat indicates they have used it before. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 292)
Here is the simple truth, attested to by the saints, that when we are uncertain what to do we should simply do our duty and God will guide. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 490)
The disciples admit they have failed at fishing (v. 5), and Jesus tells them, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some’ (v. 6). They could hear this as the idle suggestion of a bystander. But he does not say, “Try over there and you might find some. ” He doesn’t offer a suggestion; he gives a promise that in fact they will find fish where he directs them to cast. When they obey they cannot even get the net into the boat because there are so many fish enclosed in it (v. 6). Such abundance echoes the enormous provision of wine at the wedding in Cana (2:1-11) and of bread and fish at the feeding of the five thousand (6:1-13). Most commentators see these fish as symbolic of the missionary work of the disciples, similar to Jesus’ original call, “Come, follow me … and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19 par. Mk 1:17; not given by John). Such symbolism may be included, but the primary point seems to be Jesus’ lordship and the need to be obedient to him for any labor to be fruitful. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 491)
Whose hands made the sun rise this morning? Whose breath guided us to think, and pray, and love, and hope? Who is the Lord of the world, anyway? We may be given the holy spirit to enable us to work for Jesus; but the holy breath is not independent of the master who breathes it out, of the sovereign God, the creator. Neither the institutional church nor its individual members can upstage him. Jesus welcomes Peter’s catch. He asks him to bring some of it. But he doesn’t, in that sense, need it. (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 160)
Peter may not have had the discernment of John, but have you noticed that every time he had an opportunity he got close to the Lord? The other men sit in the boat and wait until they get in. Not Simon Peter. He can’t wait. He wants to be close to his Lord. This man is a wonderful man. (J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary Series, John, 341)
There are several things I would like to call to your attention here. Have you noticed that the Lord uses what people have as the basis for His miracles? The disciples are fishing and catch nothing. The Lord Jesus gives them a harvest of fish. At Cana the water pots were empty. The Lord has them fill the pots with water and then changes it to wine. He asks Moses what he has in his hand. Moses says it is a rod, and with that rod, God performs His miracles for Israel. David is faithful as a shepherd with his shepherd’s crook, and God gives him a sceptre to hold in his hand. It is interesting that whatever is in your hand, God can use. So many people wish they were somewhere else or in some other circumstances. My friend, if God can’t use you right where you are, I don’t think He can use you somewhere else. (J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary Series, John, 342)
Once again the disciples failed to recognize Jesus. This time the poor light gave them a good reason not to realize who he was. Perhaps they were preoccupied with fishing; surely they weren’t expecting him; maybe they were avoiding the issue of what to do next. Are you involved in some area or activity where you think a visit from Christ would be unlikely? Guard against being so preoccupied with your own work that you miss seeing Christ. Expect that he can do the miraculous in ordinary events. Look for him throughout each day. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 401)
The fact that the net was not torn attested not only to the miracle, but to the attention of the miracle worker. Jesus would supply their catch of fish and would take care that their nets were not torn. Such attention to detail is characteristic of the Holy Spirit’s work in circumstances in every believer’s life—from these disciples who would soon begin to carry out the great commission, to us, today, as we struggle through the confusion in our daily lives. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 404)
YOU WOULD HAVE DONE it yourself. Here they were, old timers in the fishing game finding themselves by the dear old lake. They had not cast a net in a dog’s age, and they had just passed through a time of nervous strain that left them quivering and tense. What would ease the tension and restore them to normal more quickly than a night on the beautiful lake, in the cool breezes, with the gentle excitement of the old occupation? Peter did not have to coax that crowd to go fishing with him! (J.C. Macaulay, Expository Commentary on John, 272)
Recreation has its place in the life of a servant of the Lord. There is a tradition about John to the effect that when he was bishop in Ephesus he had a hobby—pigeons. On one occasion an Ephesian Christian came down from hunting in the mountains and passed John’s house when he was playing with one of his pigeons. The Christian gently chided the old bishop for spending his time so frivolously. John looked at his critic’s bow, and remarked that the string was loosened. “Yes,” said the huntsman, “I always loosen the string of my bow when it is not in use. If I kept it tight all the time it would quickly lose its rebound and fail me in the hunt.” “And I,” replied the aged apostle, “am now relaxing the bow of my mind, that it may the better shoot arrows of divine truth.” (J.C. Macaulay, Expository Commentary on John, 272)
To another kind of fishing were they called, and the mastery of the Lord in the lesser fishing was a parable of His mastery in the greater. The master Fisherman is the Master of fishers of men, and He who could command shoals of fish for a lesson to His disciples will order our service with a degree of success which may not always be apparent, but which will draw His “well done” at the end of the day. (J.C. Macaulay, Expository Commentary on John, 273)
