A Big Fish Story

John 21:1-14

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to read is true, and the names have not been changed to protect the innocent.   In that it is a big fish story, we are going to stick to  “Just the facts and nothing but the facts,” so help me God.  This story has been around for sometime and it took place by the Sea of Tiberias and if you are not familiar with the Sea of Tiberias let me share some history: Tiberias has been a popular destination for tourists, and Jan and I visited the site in June 2008, and many have gone there for more than 2,000 years.

As early as Roman times, this thriving recreational spa built around 17 natural mineral hot springs more than 600 feet below sea level, welcomed visitors from every part of the ancient world.  Built by Herod Antipas (one of Herod the Great’s three sons who divided up Palestine after their father's death), the city was named Tiberias in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. 

The reason this fish story stands out as one of biggest fish stories of all time is that the main character in the story is the resurrected Jesus Christ, and it is the third time he has shown himself to his followers after he was raised from the dead.  The supporting cast is Simon Peter, Thomas (Called the Twin), and Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two more of his disciples.  Often, after someone fails in a new endeavor you will find them returning to what has been successful for them, and in Peter’s case that was fishing.  Yes, Peter knew boats and fishing so he said to those with him, “I am going fishing.”  And at that moment it seemed like a good plan much better than being locked up in a house worrying about the Jews who wanted to kill you.  So Peter and the group have been fishing all night and it is time to pull in the nets and return to shore, and I wonder if Peter was thinking, I couldn’t even catch a fish. 

Peter and his fishing buddies are almost to shore when “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.  (John 21:6-8 ESV)  Now some of the disciples in the boat with Peter may not remember that this scene has happen before, but act II of Jesus performance was not wasted on Peter. 

Scene one happens when Jesus was teaching by the lake of Gennesaret and the crowd was pressing in on him.  Jesus saw two boats at the shore and the fishermen were washing their nets.  So Jesus got into one of the boats and it belonged to Simon who is later to become the apostle Peter.  Jesus sat down and taught the people from the boat, and after finishing Jesus turned to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  Now before anyone gets all religious on me, can you imagine anyone doing that, they washed the nets, they had been out all night and no catch, but to my astonishment Simon did as Jesus asked, and this time they caught so many fish that their nets were breaking and they had to call for the other boat. 

I’m almost sure Peter also remembers his actions and what he said to Jesus that day.  It is reported in the gospel of Luke 5:8, “But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  And I would bet the farm that Simon Peter also recalled what Jesus said back to him; “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be a fisher of men.” 

Simon might have been called an impulsive person in that he was stripped down for work, but on hearing John say it was Jesus, he puts on his robe and swims one hundred yards to shore, while the others come in the boat.  I bet Jesus was enjoying this moment, watching big Peter coming out of the water dripping wet looking to Jesus much like a faithful dog would do that had seen his master after being apart for a while.  Now Jesus has the charcoal fire going on shore with some fish on it and he says to the disciples bring some of your catch, and who ran to the boat, and hauled the net full of 153 large fish, none other than the guy who just swam 100 yards with a robe on.  And this is what Jesus said to the group, “Come and have breakfast.”   Never forget that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  Jesus is very serious about spending time with His brothers and sisters, do your remember this comment to the church in Laodicea;  “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)  How long has it been since you had a meal with Jesus?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice