As we finished our last study, we had been reading of the miraculous draught of fish which seemed finally, to open the eyes of at least one of Jesus' disciples, as we read in chapt. 21.5, "Therefore the disciple whom Jesus loved (we believe, John himself)...". And this is exactly what Holy Spirit has intended to be recorded by John all throughout his Gospel account. He had been involved in a number of "firsts" concerning Jesus' death and resurrection, so he seems to have had the greater discernment here, and his response to this last miracle of Jesus, even had it's effect upon "doubting" Peter, as we read in vs. 7, "So Peter...".
The ever impetuous Peter, had jumped ship and was flailing through the deep water toward the beach, with his oil clothes around his waist! The very one who had decided they make a trip fishing...while Jesus waited for them on the mountain! But the other disciples, being a little more cautious, took time to get the skiff and haul the loaded net safely to shore...the last biblical record of these men ever being engaged in the fishing trade, ever again! They didn't realize it then, but others would soon be crewing the ship and setting the nets, while they, themselves, were to become true "fishers of men".
Well in vs. 9 we read, "When they arrived at shore...". Can we even begin to imagine how Jesus feels toward those who love Him? Even when we might brush Him aside, or run ahead of Him, or get a little lazy in our commitment toward Him? He's compassionate and He's merciful, and He's not only concerned for our eternal souls, but also for our mortal flesh! As we read in Psalm 103, "For He knows our frame, and He remembers that we are but dust"! He even knows when we're suffering hungry-pain!
"Did any of you guys have breakfast yet?" Apparently a cup of coffee and a toothpick is not good enough for our Lord! And it's not likely that He even needed food, but for His disciple's sake, provision was made for a seaside meal. The Lord cares for His own...I can truly attest to that, over and again, and I'm sure many of you can, as well. He wasn't too good to wash their dirty feet, nor was He too busy planning eternity-future, to take the time to feed His half-hearted friends. Don't think for a single moment that He does not see, or that He does not care!
Now just look at vs. 10. Jesus' first command to them had been to cast the net; His second was, "Bring Me some fish." We must realize that all our fish, do not all belong to us! And likewise, that the souls we catch for the Lord, are the Lord's...not ours. This lesson is so necessary in today's church...the Lord willingly gives to us what is rightfully His, while what we consider to be ours...our church house, our people, our deacons, our pastor, our new converts (our fish), all literally and without question or consideration, belong to Him! What those disciples had been given, rather than a bulge in their pocket books, was living proof of the blessing of the Lord on His obedient children! And He really is, and must be acknowledged as such...the Captain of the fleet of soul-fishers that are His church.
Now notice in vs 11 that it had been Peter-the-impetuous who had landed the net, holding 153 great fishes. Back in vs. 6 we read that the other disciples together, had not been able to draw the net on their own, "for the multitude of fishes". But that was when they thought the fish belonged to them! Once Jesus had claimed His share of the fruits of their labour, the work had been taken out of it. Six men had not been able to accomplish in their own strength, what one of them could do by the word of the Lord! Peter was weaker than water, when back in chapt. 18.16, he "stood at the door without". But in the presence of the Prince of Power, he experienced the power of the Prince! I can't help but be reminded of Isaiah's precious prophecy as recorded in chapt. 40.29-31, which still bears the need for some personal contemplation!
How cautious are we as we approach our own work for the Lord? We must remember that our strength comes from Him, and that it is nothing of our own will and own way. I find it very humbling when I realize just how insignificant I am in this world, and I experience it all the time! This world would operate just fine without me even in it, because life's very continuation depends wholly on the pleasure of our Lord and God!
Now back in Luke 5, we have recorded another miraculous catch of fish, when the net had broken; and that net had broken in order that Jesus make His point that, "...from henceforth you shall catch men". There was no numbering that catch, and that was to be Peter's life's calling, though he didn't realize it then. In Luke's account, many of those fishes would have been lost, just as many today, who hear the truth, never receive and believe. But in the passage before us, the net being unbroken, those who were to be eventually counted for their faith would be found safe and secure in their Saviour's arms!
Now this bit is beautiful! His third command in this passage consists of a beautiful invitation to "Come and dine", and that's an invite that would be hard to refuse! Remember, those disciples still weren't completely sure that this was their Lord; and they didn't dare ask, so they aparently sat down in silence...no joyous reunion, here; no fanfare, and no anxious questions. Just, "Have a seat fellows...breakfast is ready!" And He took bread, and He took fish, and He surely dispensed His blessings as they sat and talked about the future.
But notice that we're not told by John that Jesus gave thanks, as recorded of the last supper. Rather, Jesus acted in an altogether different way toward His disciples; now, His response to them was more distant, and neutral, and less personal, but perhaps less judgmental as well. He was in every sense, their Minister, and in a coming day, He will, as recorded by Luke in chapt. 12.37. "...gird Himself, and make (us) sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve (us)." His provision at that time, in a day to come, will be from "the tree of life", Rev. 2.7; and of the "hidden manna", Rev. 2.17...a feast fit for eternity!
I may have sung it before, but..."What a day that will be, when our Saviour we shall see...!", and we shall be called to "Come and dine" at the marriage supper of the Lamb!
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