João 21

Breakfast on the beach

1 After these things Jesus, risen from the dead,*I follow the best line of transmission in reading "risen from the dead", albeit representing only 25% of the Greek manuscripts, at this point. revealed Himself to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He did it like this: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Twin), Nathanael (from Cana of Galilee), Zebedee’s sons*Recall that they were James and John (the author of this Gospel). and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter says to them, "I’m going fishing." They say to him, "We’re coming with you." Off they went and got right into the boat, and that whole night they caught nothing.

4 Well when daybreak had now come Jesus stood on the beach; however the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus says to them, "Boys, you don’t have any food, do you?" They answered Him, "No."*You can bet they are not feeling like making small talk. 6 So He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find." So they did,*I find it interesting that they apparently obeyed without question—there was something about that voice. and now they were unable to haul it in because of the multitude of fish! 7 Then that disciple whom Jesus loved says to Peter, "It’s the Lord!" Upon hearing that it was the Lord, Simon Peter tied on his outer garment (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat dragging the net with the fish (for they were not far from the land, but about 100 yards).

9 Then, as they stepped onto the land they saw a charcoal fire in place with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus says to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter got up*That is what the Text says. Well, what do you suppose he did when he got to land, since he obviously got there well before the others. From verse 12 I gather that Peter had not ventured to speak. He is wet and therefore cold, and there is a fire. I bet he went straight to the fire and squatted down to warm himself, but he was too embarrassed to attempt a conversation. So he welcomes a chance to do something and jumps up when Jesus asks for fish. and dragged the net onto the land, full of one hundred and fifty-three large fish [!]; and although being so many, the net was not torn.*Like, wow! They were evidently special fish, all large. But why 153? I do not know. The whole thing is supernatural, including the net not tearing.