Scriptural text: John 21:1-14
Lesson Context: After Jesus rose from the dead he showed Himself to His disciples on two previous occasions. About two or three weeks later, they seem to have to have been sitting around, on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias unsure of what to do when Jesus appeared unto them again.
Gone Fishin’ (John 21:1-6):
The Diciples Fail )vv.1-3). “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias, and on this wise shewed he himself.” The phrase “After these things” referes to all the events that took place after Jesus’ resurrection up to this point; including His many appearances. The disciples were waiting in Galilee to meet Jesus according to His instructions. John was about to tell what happened when Jesus appeared to some of His disciples near the “sea of Tiberias” or sea of Galilee.
There were together Simon Peter. The double name Simon Peter occurs often in John than any other Gospel. Peter was probably named first because he was an unofficial leader among the disciples even when his boldness in leadership failed him.
And Thomas called Didymus. Both Thomas and Didymus mean “twin” though who that twin was remains unknown. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas was absent when Jesus appeared to the others and remained skeptical about their experience until Jesus appeared to him too.
And Nathaniel of Cana of Galilee. The Gospel of John names Nathaniel as a disciple, while the other Gospels do not. Nathaniel was one of Jesus’ earliest followers.
And the sons of Zebedee. The sons of Zebedee were James and John.
And the two other of his disciples. The two other of his disciples are commonly thought to be Andrew and Philip.
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him. We also go with thee. It appears that these disciples were sitting around in Galilee, not sure of what to do. So, “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing” or “I’m going fishing.”
They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. The other disciples decided to “go fishing” with “Peter,” Then immediately the seven got into a boat and started “fishing.” But some odd thing happened. They fished all “night,”but even though these men were veteran fishermen, “they caught nothing.” These disciples thought had done what they thought was the right thing, but they only experienced complete failure. However, this prepares them to learn one of the central lessons of discipleship-without Jesus we can do nothing.