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Taught by the World’s Greatest Educator, June 29
Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast
therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
John 21:6
.
Seven of the disciples were in company. They were clad in the humble garb of
fishermen; they were poor in worldly goods, but rich in the knowledge and practice
of the truth, which in the sight of Heaven gave them the highest rank as teachers.
They had not been students in the schools of the prophets, but for three years they
had been taught by the greatest Educator the world has ever known. Under His
instruction they had become elevated, intelligent, and refined, agents through whom
men might be led to a knowledge of the truth....
The evening was pleasant, and Peter, who still had much of his old love for boats
and fishing, proposed that they should go out upon the sea and cast their nets. In
this plan all were ready to join; they were in need of food and clothing, which the
proceeds of a successful night’s fishing would supply. So they went out in their boat,
but they caught nothing. All night they toiled, without success. Through the weary
hours they talked of their absent Lord, and recalled the wonderful events they had
witnessed in His ministry beside the sea. They questioned as to their own future,
and grew sad at the prospect before them.
All the while a lone watcher upon the shore followed them with His eye, while
He Himself was unseen. At length the morning dawned. The boat was but a little
way from the shore, and the disciples saw a stranger standing upon the beach,
who accosted them with the question, “Children, have ye any meat?” When they
answered, “No,” He said unto them, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and
ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the
multitude of fishes.”
John recognized the stranger, and exclaimed to Peter, “It is the Lord”.... Jesus
had called them to leave their fishing boats, and had promised to make them fishers
of men. It was to bring this scene to their minds, and to deepen its impression,
that He had again performed the miracle. His act was a renewal of the commission
to the disciples. It showed them that the death of their Master had not lessened
their obligation to do the work He had assigned them. Though they were to be
deprived of His personal companionship, and of the means of support by their former
employment, the risen Saviour would still have a care for them. While they were
doing His work, He would provide for their needs. And Jesus had a purpose in
bidding them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He stood upon
the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored in connection with Him—His
divine power combining with their human effort—they could not fail of success
(
The Desire of Ages, 809-811
).
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