Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Appears to his Disciples at Lake Galilee

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Introduction

The appearance of Jesus to His disciples at Lake Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias, is a significant post-resurrection event recorded in the Gospel of John. This encounter is rich with theological meaning and provides insight into the nature of the resurrected Christ, His relationship with His disciples, and His ongoing mission for them.

Biblical Account

The account of Jesus appearing to His disciples at Lake Galilee is found in John 21:1-14. After His resurrection, Jesus manifested Himself to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples present included Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

The narrative begins with Peter deciding to go fishing, and the other disciples join him. Despite fishing all night, they catch nothing. At dawn, Jesus stands on the shore, though the disciples do not recognize Him initially. Jesus calls out to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" When they respond negatively, He instructs them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." (John 21:5-6). Following His command, they catch a large number of fish, so much that they are unable to haul the net in.

Recognition of the Lord

The beloved disciple, John, recognizes Jesus and tells Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7). Peter, in his characteristic zeal, wraps his outer garment around him and jumps into the water to reach Jesus. The other disciples follow in the boat, dragging the net full of fish.

Breakfast with Jesus

Upon reaching the shore, they find a charcoal fire with fish and bread prepared by Jesus. He invites them, "Come, have breakfast." (John 21:12). None of the disciples dare to ask Him who He is, knowing it is the Lord. Jesus takes the bread and gives it to them, and does the same with the fish. This meal signifies fellowship and the provision of Jesus, echoing the feeding of the 5,000 and the Last Supper.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

This appearance of Jesus is laden with symbolism. The miraculous catch of fish recalls the initial calling of some of the disciples, emphasizing their mission as "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The abundance of fish signifies the fruitfulness of their future ministry under the guidance of the risen Christ.

The setting by the Sea of Galilee, a familiar place for the disciples, underscores the continuity of Jesus' mission and His presence in their everyday lives. The act of sharing a meal highlights the intimate fellowship between Jesus and His followers, reinforcing the reality of His resurrection and His ongoing relationship with them.

Peter's Restoration

Following the breakfast, Jesus engages Peter in a poignant dialogue, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17). This mirrors Peter's threefold denial of Jesus prior to the crucifixion and serves as a moment of restoration and commissioning. Jesus instructs Peter to "Feed My lambs," "Tend My sheep," and "Feed My sheep," entrusting him with the pastoral care of His followers.

Conclusion

The appearance of Jesus at Lake Galilee is a profound testament to His resurrection, His authority, and His enduring love for His disciples. It serves as a pivotal moment of commissioning, restoration, and assurance of His presence with them as they embark on their mission to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 28:16
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Nave's Topical Index

John 21:1,2
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself.
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Library

Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.
... it is characteristic of the History of the Christ, and all ... Jesus is asleep, for very
weariness and hunger, in the ... at His feet His Humanity here appears as true ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv christ stills the.htm

Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
... [It appears that Peter ... words of Philip to suit his later knowledge of Christ's parentage ...
John has already declared the divine origin of Jesus (ver.14), thereby ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxi jesus makes his first.htm

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ...
... It appears, therefore, to have been the first time that ... and hence also the teaching,
of Jesus, were of ... Christ must still preach the Kingdom; for that purpose ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiii new teaching in.htm

Further Journeying About Galilee.
... a preparation for the kingdom; but Jesus now appears to have ... hardly look upon Capernaum
as the home of Jesus. ... dotted the shores of Galilee in Christ's day, but ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvii further journeying about galilee.htm

Matthew the Publican Called from the Custom-House. --Familial ...
... Jesus, with a voice that could not be resisted, said unto ... that the attack was intended
for Christ, though they ... Mark appears to be more definite than the others ...
/.../section 141 matthew the publican.htm

On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.
... [6222] This appears from the ... part of the disciples, who had stolen the Body of Jesus -
as to ... sent from God Himself, [6235] to attest the fact that Christ lived ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm

In Galilee.
... There is a significance in the words, "Jesus showed himself ... The risen Christ, therefore,
though seen on many ... regard him an apostle who appears, elsewhere, under ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/in galilee.htm

Return of the Apostles. --Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand. ...
... had done, that they wished to take Jesus as Messiah ... miracle illustrates for us the
mode of Christ's working in ... to the smallest means; that which appears, as to ...
/.../section 176 return of the.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... their comparisons between the influence of Jesus and John ... led to the withdrawal of
Christ into Galilee ... Their connection with Herod appears even more clearly in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... It appears from ancient Rabbinical writings that Nazareth was one of ... cures made,
in the name of Jesus, by one ... commonly used at the time of Christ in Palestine ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm