Topical Bible: Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Immense Draughts of

◄ Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Immense Draughts of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible records several miraculous events involving immense draughts of fish, demonstrating divine intervention and the authority of Jesus Christ over nature. These events are significant in illustrating the power of God and the fulfillment of His purposes through His Son.

1. The Miraculous Catch of Fish in Luke 5:1-11

One of the most notable miracles involving an immense draught of fish is found in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus, standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, saw two boats by the shore. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Jesus entered one of the boats, which belonged to Simon Peter, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. After teaching the crowds from the boat, Jesus instructed Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4).

Despite having toiled all night without success, Simon obeyed, saying, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have not caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5). Upon doing so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear. They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help, and both boats were filled to the point of sinking.

This miracle led Simon Peter to fall at Jesus' knees, acknowledging his own sinfulness and the divine nature of Christ. Jesus responded, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men" (Luke 5:10). This event marked the calling of Peter, James, and John as disciples, symbolizing their future mission of evangelism.

2. The Post-Resurrection Appearance in John 21:1-14

Another significant miracle involving an immense draught of fish occurred after Jesus' resurrection. The disciples were by the Sea of Tiberias, and Simon Peter decided to go fishing, accompanied by Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Despite fishing all night, they caught nothing.

At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples did not recognize Him. He called out, "Children, do you have any fish?" When they answered no, He instructed them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some" (John 21:5-6). They obeyed and were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

This miraculous catch revealed Jesus' identity to the disciples, with John exclaiming, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7). Peter, upon hearing this, jumped into the water to reach Jesus. The disciples brought the net to shore, full of large fish, numbering 153, yet the net was not torn.

This event reaffirmed Jesus' resurrection and His continued presence and provision for His followers. It also symbolized the disciples' mission to gather believers into the kingdom of God, empowered by the risen Christ.

These miracles of immense draughts of fish underscore the authority of Jesus over creation and His ability to provide abundantly for His people. They serve as powerful reminders of His divine nature and the calling of His disciples to be "fishers of men."

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 5:6,9
And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 21:6,11
And he said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook