The miracles of the draughts of fish are significant events in the ministry of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His divine authority over nature and His ability to provide abundantly. These miracles are recorded in the Gospels and serve as powerful illustrations of faith, obedience, and the calling of the disciples.

First Draught of Fish

The first miraculous catch of fish is recounted in the Gospel of Luke. After teaching the crowds from Simon Peter's boat, Jesus instructs Peter to "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4). Despite having fished all night without success, Peter obeys, 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). The result is a catch so large that their nets begin to break, and they must signal their partners in the other boat to come and help. Both boats are filled to the point of sinking (Luke 5:6-7).

This miracle leads Peter to a profound realization of his own sinfulness in the presence of divine power, prompting him to fall at Jesus' knees and say, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8). Jesus responds with reassurance and a call to a new mission: "Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men" (Luke 5:10). This event marks the beginning of Peter, James, and John's journey as disciples, leaving everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11).

Second Draught of Fish

The second miraculous catch occurs after Jesus' resurrection, as recorded in the Gospel of John. The disciples, led by Peter, return to fishing on the Sea of Tiberias but catch nothing throughout the night. At dawn, Jesus appears on the shore, though the disciples do not recognize Him. He calls out, "Children, do you have any fish?" When they answer no, He instructs them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some" (John 21:5-6). Obeying His command, they catch such a large number of fish that they are unable to haul the net in.

The beloved disciple, John, recognizes the Lord and tells Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7). Peter, in his characteristic zeal, jumps into the water to reach Jesus. The other disciples follow in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. Upon reaching the shore, they find a charcoal fire with fish and bread prepared by Jesus, who invites them to "Come, have breakfast" (John 21:12). The net, miraculously, is not torn despite holding 153 large fish (John 21:11).

Theological Significance

The draughts of fish underscore several key theological themes. Firstly, they reveal Jesus' sovereignty over creation, affirming His identity as the Son of God. Secondly, they illustrate the principle of divine provision, showing that obedience to Christ's commands results in abundant blessings. Thirdly, these miracles symbolize the mission of the disciples and the Church: to be "fishers of men," drawing people into the kingdom of God through the Gospel.

Furthermore, the second draught of fish, occurring post-resurrection, emphasizes the continuity of Jesus' mission and His ongoing presence with His followers. It reassures the disciples of their calling and the fruitfulness of their labor when guided by the risen Lord.

In both instances, the miracles serve as transformative encounters, deepening the disciples' faith and commitment to Jesus. They highlight the transition from human effort to divine empowerment, a central theme in the life and ministry of Christ.Luke 5:4-6
Now when he had left speaking, he said to Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 21:6
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

Bartimaeus
... be much more remarkable than the two miracles of the loaves, or the two miraculous
draughts of fish. ... he persists, without any vision of Christ to encourage ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 46-52 bartimaeus.htm

The Third Essay in the Present Volume is by "The Rev. ...
... The two miraculous Draughts of fishes,"the Stater found in ... of admitting the truth
of Miracles, is a ... learned author here does, that when Christ said "Lazarus ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/iii the third essay in.htm

References
... for the manifestation of the Son of God; the Christ descended on ... Mark 6:1) nor to
the working of miracles (Mark 6:5 ... Were there two miraculous draughts of fish? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Although the time of miracles has passed, yet every ... of spiritual blessings treasured
up in Christ; and he ... by proper watchfulness, and frequent draughts at the ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... And hence Christ calls them fishermen, saying, 'Ye shall catch men' (Matthew 4:19;
Mark 1 ... As therefore men catch fish with a net, so the apostles caught men by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org

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