Jesus The Provider
John 21:1-14
Miracle of the 153 Fish
1. Where did the miracle take place? Near Tiberias (John 6:1).
2. Name all the disciples in verse 2 (Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael, James, John, Andrew and Philip (John 1:40, 43-44).
3. Why did Peter say, “I go a fishing?” Note the four possible answers:
a. Peter was the ringleader.
b. He was expressing the will of the group.
c. This was a manifestation of backsliding.
• They were called from their nets to follow Jesus and now they are returning (Mark 1:7).
• Backsliding evidenced by nothing in their nets.
d. This was a natural thing to do (go fishing).
• They had been living off the food supplied by Jesus (by miracles, John 6:1-14; by purchase, John 4:8).
• It was only natural to help out with food. “We do not go to a relative’s house and eat without helping.”
4. What is the result of fishing all night and catching nothing?
a. Hungry.
b. Tired.
c. Discouraged.
d. Sleepy.
e. Depressed.
5. Why didn’t the disciples know it was Jesus?
a. They were blinded due to backsliding.
• Mary did not know it was Jesus (John 20:14-16).
• Celopas and his wife did not know it was Jesus (Luke 24:13-21).
• Unbelief brings blindness (2 Cor. 4:4) “The god of this world hath blinded the minds . . . lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ . . . should shine unto them.”
b. Because of natural conditions.
• They were one hundred yards from shore (length of a football field).
• Eyes dilated because of night.
• Maybe fog on the lake.
• Early morning sun reflected on the water.
Natural Backsliding
1. Fishing to help out family. 1. Fishing to get away from call to the ministry.
2. Caught nothing due to natural reasons. 2. Caught nothing as punishment.
3. Did not recognize Christ, natural reasons. 3. Did not see Christ, blind.
6. Cast nets on the right side of ship. The Greek word is right as opposed to left, not right as opposed to wrong. It would have been easy to disobey a stranger; however, obedience brings blessing.
7. What is faith? Faith is obedience to the Word of God in fellowship with the Son of God (v.6).
8. Peter’s nakedness. “When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea” (21:7). Peter was not nude but was wearing an inner garment. The coat he put off was a tunic or long, flowing outer garment to protect from sun, wind and chilly nights. Why did Peter put on clothes to jump into the water? Most people today take off clothes when abandoning a ship.
• Modest
• Picture of clothes of righteousness
• Thought he would walk on water
• Just another dumb thing Peter did
9. Practical application, verse 7: John was the first to know it was the Lord; Peter was the first to act. Which are you?
10. This is one miracle in the count of 37 (8 in John). How many miracles make up the one?
• Bread
• Fire
• Fish on the fire
• Fish in the net
• Net did not break
• Seven not able to pull in the net
• Peter pulls in the net by himself in v. 11
11. Why did Jesus supply miracle of fish in two ways?
• Fish on shore was not enough
• Fish in net, was this enough? It is a picture of the division of labor, i.e., we must add our work to the job God is doing.
Before without Christ After with Christ
1. Lacked (caught nothing). 1. Filled – 153 fish.
2. Discouraged. 2. Encouraged.
3. Hungry. 3. Filled.
4. Turning back. 4. Wanting to go forward.
5. Did not recognize Christ. 5. Realized His presence, v. 12.
12. The lesson of “without Me you can do nothing” in John 15:5 is seen here. “With Christ we can do all things” (Phil. 4:13). The presence of Christ in our lives makes the difference.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
