Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous event of fishes being dressed on the shore is a significant moment in the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This event underscores the divine provision and the intimate fellowship between the risen Lord and His disciples.Biblical Account The account is found in John 21:1-14. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, led by Peter, had returned to fishing but had caught nothing throughout the night. At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples did not initially recognize Him. He instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of 153 large fish. John 21:9 states, "When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it, and some bread." This verse highlights the miraculous provision of fish already prepared on the shore, symbolizing Jesus' care and sustenance for His followers. The presence of the fish and bread also echoes the earlier miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, reinforcing Jesus' role as the provider. Theological Significance This miracle is rich in theological meaning. It demonstrates Jesus' authority over creation, as He commands the fish of the sea and provides abundantly for His disciples. The act of Jesus preparing a meal for His disciples signifies His continued fellowship and communion with them, even after His resurrection. It serves as a reminder of the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, where He meets their physical and spiritual needs. Furthermore, the event is a powerful illustration of the disciples' mission. Just as they were called to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), the miraculous catch symbolizes the abundant harvest of souls they would gather through their apostolic ministry, empowered by the risen Christ. Symbolism and Reflection The scene of Jesus on the shore with fish and bread is a poignant reminder of His resurrection power and His role as the sustainer of life. It invites believers to trust in His provision and to recognize His presence in their daily lives. The charcoal fire, fish, and bread serve as symbols of fellowship, provision, and the new life found in Christ. In this miracle, the risen Lord reveals Himself as the source of all blessings, calling His disciples—and by extension, all believers—to partake in the spiritual nourishment He offers. The event encourages Christians to rely on Jesus' guidance and to participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel, assured of His presence and provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 21:9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Beach and the Sea Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Resources How does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 2) | GotQuestions.org In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Fishes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fishes of Men Ignorant of Future Events Fishes of the Whole Population of Egypt Fishes of Those Ensnared by the Wicked Fishes used As Food by the Egyptians Fishes used As Food by the Jews Fishes: (Bad) of Mere Professors Fishes: Cannot Live Without Water Fishes: Different in Flesh from Beasts Fishes: Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Fishes: Man Given Dominion Over Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Dressed on the Shore Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Immense Draughts of Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Multiplying a Few Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Procuring Tribute Money From Fishes: Mode of Cooking Alluded To Fishes: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Fishes: Sold Near the Fish Gate at Jerusalem Fishes: Solomon Wrote the History of Fishes: Taken With: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Fishes: The People of Tyre Traded In Related Terms |