His Miraculous Mercy!
- Stuart Goings
- Jun 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
In the Gospel of John, after Jesus' resurrection, Peter and other disciples temporarily returned to their former occupation of fishing. They fish all night without catching anything until Jesus directs them to cast their net on the other side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch.
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they 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.”
Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
This event is a reminder of their initial call to be "fishers of men" and Jesus's subsequent restoration of Peter. (Always, look into the Christian scriptures, do not despise prophecies and hold fast to what is true! Be noble like a Berean Jew - Don't you love Mark? He is such a great disciple.)
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Return to Fishing:
Following Jesus' crucifixion and burial, the disciples, including Peter, returned to their previous life as fishermen, seemingly seeking solace or normalcy after the traumatic events.
Night of Unfruitfulness:
The disciples fished all night but caught nothing, highlighting their lack of success when relying solely on their own efforts and experience.
Jesus's Appearance and Guidance:
Jesus appears on the shore and directs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat.
Miraculous Catch:
The disciples' net is filled with a miraculous catch of fish, symbolizing a vast number of people who will be brought into God's kingdom.
Recognition and Restoration:
John recognizes Jesus, and Peter, with his characteristic strength and courage, as he swims to shore. Jesus then reinstates Peter, prompting him to "feed my sheep" .
Symbolism:
The episode serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus's call to discipleship, the importance of faith and obedience, and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection.
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Do not ever forget these words from the True Lover of your soul:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
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