Chapter 85—By the Sea Once More
This chapter is based on
John 21:1-22
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Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee; and soon
after the Passover week was ended, they bent their steps thither. Their
absence from Jerusalem during the feast would have been interpreted
as disaffection and heresy, therefore they remained till its close; but
this over, they gladly turned homeward to meet the Saviour as He had
directed.
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.
Much of the time of Christ’s ministry had been passed near the Sea
of Galilee. As the disciples gathered in a place where they were not
likely to be disturbed, they found themselves surrounded by reminders
of Jesus and His mighty works. On this sea, when their hearts were
filled with terror, and the fierce storm was hurrying them to destruction,
Jesus had walked upon the billows to their rescue. Here the tempest
had been hushed by His word. Within sight was the beach where above
ten thousand persons had been fed from a few small loaves and fishes.
Not far distant was Capernaum, the scene of so many miracles. As the
disciples looked upon the scene, their minds were full of the words
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and deeds of their Saviour.
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
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