We are on the beach of the Sea of Galilee, almost certainly close to Capernaum. This is the 9th of our resurrection encounters with Jesus.
Breakfast on the Beach
21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Weymouth: 13th May 2026
Third Appearance to the Disciples
We have already seen that Jesus appeared to a group of his disciples on the day of his resurrection. The significant feature of that appearance was the absence of Thomas. He appeared about a week later to the whole group, including Thomas. Both of those appearances occurred when the disciples were in a safe house in the back streets of Jerusalem, behind locked doors, for fear of the Jewish leaders. You may recall that during the first resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene, an angel told Mary that the risen Christ had gone ahead of them into Galilee. ‘There, you will see him.’ (Matthew 28:7). In this account, John tells us that the group have returned from Jerusalem to Galilee, and as promised, Jesus appears to them. This, says John is the third time that Jesus appeared to them as a group (v14).
153 Fish
The disciples are gathered together on the shores of Lake Galilee. Peter and some of the group are fishing. These guys are fishermen. They are experts of their trade. As happens sometimes, they are unsuccessful. They have caught nothing.
A man on the shore shouts out to them. ‘Caught anything?’ They look at the man. None of them recognise him. Perhaps he is a trader looking for fish. ‘Try throwing your nets out on the other side of the boat.’ Such a suggestion is not so unusual. Sometimes, someone on the shore can see darkness or disturbance in the water which the fishermen can’t. Whatever – there’s nothing to lose. The nets are thrown out and immediately it’s clear that something is happening. The net is full. So full that they need to call in other boats to haul them in. Not just fish. Large fish. 153 large fish.
4th Century Saint Jerome, suggests that the number 153 represents the total number of fish species known in the ancient world. He suggests that this means that the good news of Christ’s resurrection is for every nation and every people group. The fact that the net doesn’t break means that Christ’s love is for everyone.
Other interpretations are available.
It is the Lord
It’s the Apostle John who suddenly recognises the man on the beach. ‘It is the LORD.’ In his excitement, Peter leaps into the water and runs to the shore about 100 yards away to greet Jesus. Fishing is hard and wet work. Fishermen like Peter didn’t wear much. He grabs his robe. This detail is there for a reason. To greet Jesus whilst undressed would be inappropriate. The others turn their boat towards shore. There’s no way the net can be lifted into the boat so they drag it into the shallows.
Breakfast
There, on the beach, all the preparations have been made for an al fresco breakfast. Burning coals. Warm bread. They gut and clean some of the fish, washing it in the waters of Galilee. It is put on the coals. Jesus, they know that it is Jesus, serves them. The Master takes the place of the servant.
The first two appearances to the group of disciples were extraordinary and supernatural. By eating fish and allowing the disciples to see and touch his wounds, Jesus demonstrated the reality of his resurrection.
In this moment on the beach, he takes that demonstration one huge step further. This time it is Jesus who gives the fish and the bread to the disciples. This is no secret meeting with his closest friends behind locked doors. Even today, a skeptic might wonder whether stories related some kind of group hallucination. This appearance is different. This is a truly public appearance on the beach in Galilee. This takes place amongst the bustle of the fishing community.
This is Jesus. This is resurrection.
End Piece
On the beach, Jesus showed them how to catch fish. When Jesus first called Peter to follow him, he told them that he would make them ‘fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:19). The Great Commission places that same responsibility on every generation of followers of Jesus.
Even apostles may fish and catch nothing. Do not be discouraged, you who, when you are endeavoring to fish for souls, for many a day catch nothing. (CH Spurgeon)
There is a message here. You may feel that you have not caught a fish for some time. Pray that Jesus will show you where you should be casting your net.
Don’t stop fishing!