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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. Their
absence from Jerusalem during Passover week would have been
interpreted as disaffection and heresy. But this over, they gladly
turned homeward to meet the Saviour as He had directed.
Seven of the disciples were in company. They were poor in
worldly goods, but rich in the knowledge of the truth. For three
years they had been taught by the greatest Educator the world has
ever known. They had become intelligent and refined, agents through
whom men might be led 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 above ten thousand
persons had been fed from a few small loaves and fishes. Not far
distant 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 sea and cast their nets. They were
in need of food and clothing, which the proceeds of a successful
night’s fishing would supply. So they went out; but all night they
toiled without success. Through weary hours they talked of their
absent Lord. They questioned as to their own future, and grew sad
at the prospect before them.
At length morning dawned. The boat was but a little way from
shore, and the disciples saw a stranger standing on 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
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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.” Peter was so glad that he cast 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 fishes. “As soon as they were
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