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John 21:3
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Breakfast by the Sea

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the aSea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:  
2 Simon Peter, aThomas called the Twin, bNathanael of cCana in Galilee, dthe sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.  
3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and1 immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.  
4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples adid not know that it was Jesus.  
5 Then aJesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”  
6 And He said to them, a“Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.  
7 Therefore athat disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.  
8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.
9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.
12 Jesus said to them, a“Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.  
13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?
<< John 21:2   John 21:4 >>

What Does John 21:3 Mean?



John 21:3

Who is the leader? Who decides for the group? They all looked to the leader—Peter—and if he was going fishing, they all were. They followed the pattern.

John W. Ritenbaugh
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership

Related Topics: God's Pattern of Leadership | Leadership | Leadership, God's Pattern of | Peter as Leader of the Disciples



John 21:2-3

John presents the narrative without Christ commenting on the disciples' decision to fish. Though His promises to go before them to Galilee are clear, in the opening verses of John 21, we find seven of the disciples following Peter to go fishing. No casual occasion for leisure, this fishing trip is a commitment to many hours of hard work.

Obviously, these are difficult days for the disciples. They had spent most of the past three-plus years in the direct company of Jesus. Even though He informed them several times of His impending death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; Matthew 16:21; 26:2), the disciples are still deeply troubled by the former and confounded by the latter (Luke 24:36-41; Matthew 28:17). Peter is particularly distraught, still shamefaced from having denied Him three times (Luke 22:61-62; John 21:17).

Even though they are filled with joy in the presence of the post-resurrection Christ, they also realize that times are changing. They recognize that their future is more uncertain—and probably more difficult—than they desire. We can easily understand their need to engage in an activity with which they are familiar and comfortable, and which removes them from prying eyes and ears.

Martin G. Collins
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: A Second Large Catch of Fish (Part One)

Related Topics: Disciples' Disillusionment | Jesus Christ's Miracles: Great Catch of Fish | Miracle of the Great Catch of Fish | Miracles of Jesus Christ: Great Catch of Fish | Peter's Denial | Peter's Doubting | Peter's Self Abhorrence



John 21:3-5

Jesus had earlier taught His disciples, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). None of His handpicked devotees was yet capable of confidently anticipating His resurrection into His natural, spiritual state (Luke 24:36-37). Therefore, uncertain of the events surrounding them, six of the disciples chose to follow Simon Peter—probably more restless and impatient than usual—onto the fishing boat. Like Peter, they were not fishing as an activity to prove their faith, but as cover for their unease and uncertainty—their lack of faith. Christ wanted to emphasize upon them that any activity they undertook without Him would be fruitless.

Martin G. Collins
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: A Second Large Catch of Fish (Part One)

Related Topics: Bearing Fruit | Branch and Vine Analogy | Disciples' Disillusionment | Fruit of the Vine | Jesus Christ's Miracles: Great Catch of Fish | Miracles of Jesus Christ: Great Catch of Fish | Without Christ We Can Do Nothing




Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing John 21:3:

Luke 5:6-9
Luke 24:36-43


 
<< John 21:2   John 21:4 >>

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