Harmony Highlights 26

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Harmony Highlights 26 by Gene Van Shaar

Notes: Biblical texts are from the King James Version. If no text is given, the event is not mentioned by that author. Reference links lead to alternate translations. Event numbers and locations match the Concise Harmony.

Events #242 and #243 Appearance by the Sea

Location: Galilee (North)

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John 21:1-18 (Link to NIV)

¹ After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. ² 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. ³ Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. ⁴ But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. ⁵ Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. ⁶ And he said unto them, Cast the net on the 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. ⁷ Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the 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. ⁸ And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. ⁹ As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. ¹¹ Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. ¹² Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. ¹⁴ This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. ¹⁵ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. ¹⁶ He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ¹⁷ He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Events 242 and 243 Notes and Insights

Before Peter was called to be the chief apostle, he, was a commercial fisherman. When Jesus called Peter into the ministry, his father Zebedee retained their ship, and hired others to keep the business going (Mark 1:20). After Jesus was crucified, Peter planned to return to the fishing business, setting the stage for these events.

After fishing all night with no success, Peter and his companions were surprised that the resurrected Jesus appeared, helped them catch fish, built a fire, cooked the fish, and served them breakfast. How would you feel about having a picnic on the beach with a resurrected Lord willing to cook, serve, and teach?

After eating, Jesus asked Peter, "Lovest thou me more than these?" These what? These fish. The question was, "Do you love me more than fish, more than fishing, more than the fishing business, enough to spend the rest of your life nourishing my followers?" Peter did indeed spend the rest of his life proving that he did.

Hopefully, these events inspire us to ask the same kind of question, “Am I willing to love the Lord and his Plan of Happiness, more than the things and ways of the world?"

Discussion Questions

(1) What experience or insight have you had related to this event?

(2) What principle(s) does this event teach you?

(3) What do you love about this event, and why?

(4) How can you apply this event to your life?

© Copyright 2024 Gene Van Shaar