"After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way." NASB
We have been talking about Observation. "Seeing". The word "manifest" in this verse means more than 'to appear'. Manifest has the idea of to make known what has been hidden or unknown; to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood--who and what one is.
Let's look more closely at this story and how it relates to starting a new year.
Who? Peter and some of the disciples; Jesus
Where? sea of Galilee [Tiberias]; beach along Sea
When? following an all night fishing trip, early morning
What? Breakfast by the sea
Why? To help us understand relationship between 'being' and 'doing' from God's perspective
This story happens during the 40 days Jesus remained on earth after his death and resurrection from the dead. It was Peter who had persuaded some of the other disciples of Jesus to go fishing that night. Peter had answered Jesus' question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [see Matthew chapter 16]. When Jesus called Simon to be his disciple, He gave him the name 'Peter' which means 'rock'. Jesus then declared that the 'rock' is the foundational truth that Jesus is the Son of God. The Holy Spirit had revealed this truth to Peter. The Kingdom of God was in their midst.
However now we see Peter is perhaps confused from the recent happenings. Jesus, the Messiah, had NOT liberated the Jews from the hated Roman rule. Yes, Jesus had died the shameful death of the worst criminal on the cross. Now Jesus was alive again, resurrected from the dead. But for what purpose? Why had He come and died?
Before and during the arrest and trial of Jesus, Peter had denied three times that he even knew Jesus. What shame filled Peter's heart at this memory. Perhaps a trip to the Sea would wash away this sense of shame at his betrayal of the One Peter had one time boldly declared: "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." [Matthew 26:35 NASB]
Or perhaps Peter thought to the days ahead.. A man needed to provide for his family. Best to go back to the work he knew and was reasonably successful at doing.
Peter recalled an earlier manifestation of Jesus to His disciples, where He shows the scars from His crucifixion that He wears on His new resurrected Body. Jesus gives this message in John 20:21: "As the Father has sent me [Jesus], I am sending you." NIV.
On this fishing trip, Peter realizes there was to be no overthrow of the hated Romans. Jesus would return to heaven and how ever was Peter to 'follow' Jesus? Sent to do what? Peter could envision following a living leader who would set things right. But what was His Kingdom and what part could Peter play in building the Kingdom where there is no visible King?
After a discouraging night of catching no fish, suddenly the seven men in the boat heard a stranger from shore call out to them: "Friends, haven't you any fish?" [John 21:5 NIV]. They yelled back, "NO."
What happened next was incredible. "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." said the Stranger. When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, realized this was the Lord. Peter immediately jumped into the sea and swam to shore. The others brought in the boat and the big catch of fish.
They found Jesus broiling some fish. He had brought along some bread. They all knew it was Jesus without asking. Jesus asked them to bring some of their recent miraculous catch to cook. Next Jesus fixed their breakfast.
I think Peter and the others must have been astounded to see Jesus there on the shore. After breakfast Jesus began speaking to Peter. He asks a most interesting question:
"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
Do I love Jesus more than 'these'? What does 'these' mean? This 153 fish caught in one night was a small fortune to Peter. Love Jesus more than pursuits of material success? His friends and old ways of life? His career as a fisherman? Peter had implied that even though the others might desert Jesus before His death, Peter had boldly declared - NOT ME. I am more loyal to my beliefs than my friends. Perhaps Jesus was asking Peter if still thought he was better than the other disciples in light of the fact of Peter's thrice denial of even knowing Christ Jesus.
We need to look into the Amplified New Testament to study Jesus' question and Peter's response. John 21:15-17
15When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs.
16Again He said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep.
17He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
Three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus. Three times Jesus asks Peter if Peter loves Jesus as Peter claims to love God the Father. Then Jesus gives Peter an opportunity for a new 'career path.'
Peter, do you love Me more than these? Are you willing to give up your profession and follow me and live in poverty and even as a fugitive, when you could be a respectable fisherman? You could live where others in your family and village would be proud of what you were doing. Safe.
Lest Peter not understand Jesus' commission to become a partner with Jesus in the Kingdom work of Jesus, He continues:
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” NLT.
Peter learns a lot from that Breakfast by the Sea with Jesus. He not only learns, but He is a changed man. Jesus gives Peter a 'second chance'. Jesus fills Peter with a sense of how great the Father's love. Peter truly has seen the Lord. Peter no longer boasts about his love for Jesus nor that he is better than his friends. Instead Peter sees that he really does love Jesus and he needs Jesus. Even the life of a servant is acceptable as long as Jesus is the Master.
At this unforgettable breakfast on the beach, questions were finally answered and commitments were made. Peter's Moment of Truth resulted in him never turning back to the old life 'before Christ'. Peter was gloriously restored into perfect fellowship with the Son and the Father.
Peter was restored to 'being'.. Being right with God. Peter had done nothing to earn or deserve the forgiveness and reconciliation Jesus brought to the breakfast meal.
Then Peter came into realization and empowerment of 'doing'. Peter saw the truth of Philippians 2:13 in his life. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. NLT
How about you this new year?
Are you facing your Moment of Truth? Who and What is Jesus Christ to you?
Are you feeling a tug on your heartstrings to call this Jesus 'Master', 'King'? Do you long for deeper meaning and purpose in life? Are you thirsting and hungering to know How Great the Father's Love for YOU?
Mrs. B.
thanks and appreciation for the insights into John 21 I received from reading He Satisfies My Soul by Dr. Paul Brand.
Painting: The Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias by William Hole
hi mam iam glad to meet u in ur blog and comment
ReplyDeletethanks very much.