Grace's Power to ReAssure

Jesus Appears to 7

John: An Introduction and Commentary A. Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples (21:1–14)

begins with another post-resurrection appearance: Afterwards Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. The Sea of Tiberias is another name for the Sea of Galilee (cf. 6:1). Beginning his account, the evangelist lists the seven disciples involved: It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Peter, Thomas and Nathanael all appear earlier in the Gospel, but the sons of Zebedee, James and John (cf. Mark 1:19), have not been mentioned by name. We are not told who the ‘two other disciples’ were. Thomas is again said to be called ‘Didymus’, which means ‘twin’, suggesting he had a twin brother or sister, of whom no mention is made in any of the Gospels

The disciples are back to the “old” life… they were called to become “fishers of men”

The comfort of company.... but no once can change the experience.

The disciples are back to each other, their focus is on what the old nature knew

Grace Seeks

Jesus went to where the 7 were

Jesus does not walk out to them, he is close enough for them to know he is present. the fire is visible in the dark morning hours, dawn is breaking… He is possibly where they had all first met. A familiar place...

Grace Speaks (Children)

Jesus refers to them in a unique way.

Jesus spoke to them in a way the 7 understood… (as a fisherman)

John: An Introduction and Commentary A. Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples (21:1–14)

Friends, (lit. ‘children’), haven’t you any fish?’ The word translated ‘fish’ (prosphagion) was used for a relish used with bread, often small pieces of fish. ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ They followed his command and when they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. In some ways this was similar to the experience of Simon Peter and his partners recorded in Luke 5:4–9. In both cases the authority of Jesus over nature is implied.

the business of fishing is special. the term for fish here is a special one… it is for little fish, used for making a spread, a pate’ of sorts.

The instructions of changing technique. Get some real fish. The disciples cast on the other side of the boat.

Grace Supplies

Jesus supplied the fish

Jesus supplied the food

Jesus supplies the comfort they all had been seeking… REASSURANCE OF THE NEW REALITY. It takes some getting used to.

Jesus has Breakfast prepared, but invites the 7 to ‘add’ to his supply.

God redeems all of your efforts. The beginning of becoming was at a new level.

John: An Introduction and Commentary A. Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples (21:1–14)

None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. It reflects some lingering doubts. Despite these lingering doubts, they did not dare ask, ‘Who are you?’ Intuitively they knew it was the Lord. What Jesus did next would have removed any last traces of doubt: Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. They had seen him do this before for a multitude (6:1–13), just as they had heard him tell them on a previous occasion where to net many fish (Luke 5:4–9). Together these things removed any doubt that it was the Lord they were encountering.

Responding to Grace’s Expression:

If Jesus is known to you in heart/voice; you can trust him…do you?

If Jesus is distant from you, you have retreated back to a familiar way of living, but you know he is near. Do you hear Him call to you?

If Jesus is inviting you to come closer, share a meal, spend some time, be refreshed…will you join him?

John: An Introduction and Commentary A. Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples (21:1–14)

for he had taken it off’ (ēn gar gymnos), literally rendered would be ‘for he was naked’. Ancient art and literature indicate that cast-net fisherman worked naked, and it is likely that Peter, being naked, wrapped not a full ‘outer garment’ but a simple loincloth around him to show respect for Jesus before jumping into the water to make his way to the shore to meet him. (The verb diazōnnymi, translated ‘wrapped’, can also mean ‘hitch up’. It is possible, therefore, that Peter was not completely naked and did not put on a garment at all, but hitched up the simple garment he was wearing so it would not impede him in the water as he made his way towards Jesus.) While Peter led the way to the shore and to Jesus, The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.