JOHN 21:1 !4  ENCOURAGEMENT IN DISCOURAGING TIMES

This is the second miraculous catch of fish for the disciples and the scene of operation is again the Sea of Galilee. They went back to what they knew best. A number of the disciples had spent their early days fishing in that lake. (Matt 4:18-22).   

  Matthew and Mark both tell us that on the morning of the resurrection as the women left the tomb they met Jesus.  

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." Matt 28:8-10 NKJV But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you." Mark 16:7 NKJV

The disciples had obeyed but now they seem to be getting a little impatient.

They had fond memories of that lake. 

They had often sailed across that lake with their Master (chap. 6:16; Matt 7:18-23).

Here they had three times witnessed the display of Christ's power (Luke 5:1-11; Matt 8:26; 14:22,23),

They had heard Him preach to crowds on the shore (Luke 5:3; Matt 13:2).

They had travelled around it with Him in His wanderings.

There were seven disciples, the perfect number, the symbol of completeness, and representative of the coming Church.

We are told most of their names. Simon Peter, the man of rock, the symbol of energy and zeal. Thomas was the man of doubt, typical of prudence, caution, and reason. Nathaniel was the guileless one, an example of transparent sincerity, and sweet simplicity. The two sons of Zebedee, were once sons of thunder, now men of love and self-sacrifice. There were two others whose names are unknown but who are representative of the undistinguished multitude who are to be found in every age and country following the Lord Jesus Christ. Together they demonstrate the varieties of character and endowment found in every age in the Church.

Was it time to do something?

There are times when we feel it would be better to do anything rather than nothing. The Church needs men who can lead.  Pioneers are needed to open up new paths. People of imagination and enthusiasm should be encouraged.

We need those who can encourage others. Peter was such a person but sometimes he got it wrong.

The idea started with Peter and was taken up by his companions. It seemed a good idea to all of them. The majority of Christians, as in every sphere of life, not only require to be led but are ready to follow.

They went to the right place at what seemed the right time. The Lake was famed for its fish and the evening was recognised as the best time to catch them. The disciples were enthusiastic and experienced when it came to fishing for fish. They went straight to work, worked hard and were not easily discouraged. They set us a good example of the right attitude when we do anything for the Lord. Someone has said, “Whatever Christ's people do they should act so that they deserve success even if they cannot command it”.

The result. Nothing as far as fishing is concerned. They caught no fish.

But in fact it was far better than they ever imagined.

They met with Christ, found what they did not expect and returned with more than they had gone out looking for. Christ sometimes has to defeat His people's personal schemes so that He may the better carry out His schemes. He had to disappoint their hopes so that He may give them a far greater success. He had to leave them to themselves so that they will more readily welcome Him and enjoy Him when He comes.

There was a Stranger on the beach.

(1) The time of His appearing was the morning. Compare Christ in the days of His flesh (Matt 14:25), and after His resurrection. So Christ still appears to His people in the morning, because it is morning in every soul when He appears.

This is another example of Jesus appearing to loyal followers without being recognised. They "knew not," as Mary and the Emmaus travellers, and perhaps for similar reasons. Christ may now be right beside His people without them being aware of it.

The unexpected question, "Lads, have ye anything to eat?" this means “Has your cast been successful”? Jesus knew the answer but He wanted to get their attention

Their disappointment. They had failed again, as three of them had once done before (Luke 5:5).

They had spent their strength for nothing (Isa 49:4); as gospel fishers of men often seem to do. Gal 4:11).

Jesus offered counsel. The right side is always the side Christ appoints. Those who do not do what Christ tells them will always be fishing on the wrong side.

Notice their prompt obedience. They knew that it is never wise to be above taking advice especially when that advice comes from the Lord Jesus Christ (Col 2:3).

Notice, too, their marvellous success. The royal road to success in Christian witness is obedience to Christ's commands (Eph 3:20).

The disciple in whose heart glowed a pure flame of love for Jesus recognised Him from the boat. The heart rather than the head is the organ of spiritual comprehension. John had been the first to perceive that Christ was risen (chap. 20:8). Now he is the first to recognize Him by the Lake.

Listen to his triumphant shout, "It is the Lord!"

He concentrates in this exclamation, love, joy, adoration, a world of thought, an ocean of holy feeling, and a heaven of spiritual aspiration.

This was followed by Peter’s instantaneous recognition and startling activity (cf. Matt 14:28).

Their work was about to get going. The landing of the net required their labour if they were to enjoy the success of it.

The wonder of the lesson here for us is that the Gospel net will not fail until it has landed all Christ's people.

Their success was followed by a feast. It was probably their best breakfast ever (ver. 12-14).

(ver. 9) The heavenly provision is a type of the reward Christ's servants will enjoy at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9). A large part of the future reward of Christ's servants will consist in seeing the fruit of their labours (1 Thess 2:19,20).

The royal invitation when the labours are over. Come and Dine.

Lessons:

1. The fruitlessness of labour even in the Church, apart from the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. (John 15:5).

2. The certain and abundant success of those who do God’s work in the way the Lord Jesus directs.                                 

3. The glorious and blessed recompense awaiting faithful labourers in Christ's service.