Basic HTML Version
By the Sea Once More
This chapter is based on John 21:1-22.
Jesus had made an appointment to meet His disciples in Galilee.
Their absence from Jerusalem during Passover week would have
been interpreted as dissent and heresy. But when this was over, they
gladly turned homeward to meet the Savior as He had directed.
Seven of the disciples were together. They were poor in worldly
goods, but rich in the knowledge of the truth. For three years the
greatest Educator the world has ever known had been their Teacher.
They had become intelligent and refined, agents who could lead
others to a knowledge of the truth.
The disciples gathered in a place where they were not likely
to be disturbed. Within sight was the beach where more than ten
thousand people had been fed from a few small loaves and fishes.
Not far away was Capernaum, the scene of many miracles.
Peter, who still had much of his old love for boats and fishing,
proposed that they go out on the lake and throw their nets. They were
in need of food and clothing, and the proceeds from a successful
night’s fishing would supply these things. So they went out, but
they worked all night without success. Through the long hours they
talked of their absent Lord. They puzzled over their own future and
grew sad at the prospect before them.
Finally the morning dawned. The boat was only a little way
from shore, and the disciples saw a Stranger standing on the beach
who greeted them with the question, “Children, have you any food?”
When they answered, “No,” “He said to them, ‘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.”
John recognized the Stranger and exclaimed to Peter, “It is the
Lord!” Peter was so glad that he threw himself into the water and
was soon standing by the side of his Master. The other disciples
came in their boat, dragging the net with the fish. “As soon as they
484