 Jesus had been crucified, died and was buried. He rose from the grave and came to His disciples in the upper room. The next time they saw Him was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. James, John, Peter, Thomas and Nathanael had gone fishing. They fished all night and caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore. "Friends, haven't you any fish?" He asked.
The disciples did not recognize Him at first "No, they answered." "Throw your nets on the right side of the boat and you will find some," Jesus said. These were experienced fishermen. They probably thought that if they didn't catch anything all night, it would be useless to cast the net again, but when they did, they were not able to haul in the large number of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved (John) said to Peter, "It is the Lord." Then Peter jumped into the water and ran toward Jesus. The others followed in the boat towing the net full of fish. Jesus was cooking some fish and bread over a fire of burning coals. "Bring some of the fish you caught," He said. Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was filled with 153 fish, but the net was not torn. Jesus invited them to come and have breakfast. He broke the bread and fish and gave it to each of the disciples. (John 21:1-14) Think About It Many have speculated about the significance of the number of 153 fish. Jerome linked the miracle with Ezekiel's vision of the river of life flowing out from the Temple to the Dead Sea, turning the salt water to fresh water (Ezekiel 47:10). He believed that the miraculous catch represented the apostles, who were fishers of men, bringing all nations into the kingdom. He said the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind (153). Pray About It Thank you, Lord, for the wonder of your word, how you bring the Old Testament into harmony with the New Testament. Thank you for this great miracle and how it gives us a vision of the Messianic Era when you will rule on the earth. Help us to treasure your word and write it on our hearts so we might inspire others with a desire to experience your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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