Fishing

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am  going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 

When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.”

So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead. (John 21:1-14)

Third time is the charm.  According to one source, “third time’s a charm’ is probably ancient, as things that come in sets of three have often been associated with good luck due to their similarity with the Holy Trinity of Christianity.” 

Jesus went “fishing” in the Sea of Tiberias.  What’s so special about this Sea that John would reference it?  Why not the Sea of Galilee, for instance?  Answer?  It is the Sea of Galilee but with a Roman name.  

In 14 CE Emperor Augustus died, and Tiberius became emperor.  Wanting to become “king of the Jews,” Antipas (son of Herod the Great competing with his brother Archelaus for the title and kingdom) built a new Galilean capital on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.  He called it Tiberias in honor of the new emperor Tiberius.  

Antipas’ purpose appeared to be increasing the tax base in Galilee so Rome might grant him a royal promotion   Having the capital on the Lake meant more commercialization with an emphasis on increased fish harvest and revenue.  Antipas learned how to “multiply fishes” in the waters around Tiberias.  Remember that Luke (13:32) had Jesus call Antipas “that fox.”  

According to John, Jesus said, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.’ So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish…”  Perhaps John was purposefully highlighting the difference between the Romans and Jesus – the Kingdom of Rome versus the Kingdom of God.  The Romans valued fish as money and profits.  Jesus imagined fish as people to be “caught” in nets of faith.  He charged his disciples to fish for people and feed them at meals of fellowship.  

According to John, Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish.  Jesus wanted his disciples to follow him and mirror his Way.

We are to do the same.  We are to cast our nets over the right side of our boats and we will find someone.

Deacon David Pierce