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By the Sea Once More
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had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it,
and bread.”
“Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish which you have just
caught.’ “ Peter rushed for the net, which he had dropped, and helped
drag it to shore. After the work was done, Jesus divided the food
among them. All seven recognized Him and acknowledged who He
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was. But a mysterious awe was on them, and in silence they gazed
at the risen Savior.
Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus had
invited them to follow Him. He had called them to leave their fishing
boats and had promised to make them fishers of men. To bring this
scene to their minds and to deepen its impression, He had performed
the miracle again as a renewal of the commission to the disciples.
Their Master’s death had not reduced their obligation to do the work
He had assigned them. Though they would not have support from
their former employment, the risen Savior would provide for their
needs. If they labored in connection with Him, they could not fail to
succeed.
Peter Is Restored to Confidence
Christ had another lesson to give. Peter had denied his Lord
in shameful contrast to his earlier professions of loyalty. He had
dishonored Christ, and the other disciples thought he would not be
allowed to take his former position among them. He himself felt that
he had forfeited his calling to be a disciple. He must give evidence
of his repentance in front of them all. Without this, his sin might
destroy his influence as a minister of Christ. The Savior gave him
opportunity to regain the confidence of the others and, as far as
possible, to remove the discredit he had brought on the gospel.
Here is a lesson for all of Christ’s followers. We should confess
secret sins to God in secret, but open sin requires open confession.
The disciple’s sin causes Satan to triumph and wavering followers
to stumble. By giving proof of repentance the disciple is to remove
this disgrace.
While Christ and the disciples were eating together, the Savior
said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than
these?” referring to the other disciples. “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You