John 21:1-8 - Homiletics

The fishing in Galilee.

This chapter is an appendix to the Gospel written by the Apostle John.

I. THE SCENE OF OUR LORD 'S NEXT APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES . "After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias."

1. It was not at Jerusalem, which was now forsaken and, in a sense, abandoned to its own delusions.

2. It was at the scene of our Lord's opening ministry.

II. THE DISCIPLES TO WHOM OUR LORD APPEARED . "There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples." There were, therefore, but five of the eleven apostles and two disciples.

III. THEIR OCCUPATION . "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a-fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee." They resumed their old mode of life as fishermen, awaiting the sign that should fix their future course.

1. This step was necessary for their daily subsistence.

2. The apostles give us an example of diligence in their calling . They do not care to eat the bread of idleness.

3. The scenes around the Galilaean sea would vividly remind them of many a miracle and many a discourse of their blessed Lord. Quiet recollection is part of our education for duty.

IV. THE LORD 'S HELP IN THE PROSECUTION OF THEIR CALLING .

1. The disciples passed a fruitless night upon the waters . "That night they caught nothing."

2. The appearance of Jesus to them . "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus."

3. His directions to the wearied and dispirited fishermen. "Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find."

V. THE GLAD RECOGNITION OF OUR LORD THROUGH THE MIRACLE .

1. John is the first to know him . "It is the Lord!" His penetrative, contemplative insight is quick to make the discovery.

2. Peter's eagerness to reach his Lord . "Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him (for he was naked), and did cast himself into the sea." What an instance of the characteristic impetuosity and affection of Peter!