A Word from the Chief Commissioner

Recently, while studying John 21:1-14, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to something quite remarkable. Within the passage we see the disciples labouring alone (v. 3), labouring with Jesus (vv. 4-8) and enjoying the labours with Jesus (vv. 9-13). It's the last of these that really caught my attention.

Verses 9-13 provide 9 important details centring on verse 10, “Jesus said, bring some of your fish that you have caught.” Verse 11 reveals that they had caught 153 large fish, as a result of obeying Christ (v. 6), And now they were to present the catch before Him. The literal sense of Scripture (vv. 1-14) is pretty straightforward, “breakfast on the beach with Jesus.” However, the spiritual sense reveals much more… Looking forward, here we see something of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Consider the following parallel; verse 9a, land (heaven); 9b, charcoal fire (reward 1 Cor. 3:12-15); 9c, fish laid out, and bread (banquet made ready); 12a, come and have breakfast (invitation); 12b, the disciples knew it was the Lord (no problems recognising Him); 13, Jesus took bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish (heavenly communion). Notice now verses 10 and 11. These verses focus on the catch… eternally speaking, that would be - your catch! If the passage is to be considered in the spiritual sense, then the key verse would have to be verse 10, “Jesus said, bring some of your fish that you have caught.” In light of Mark 1:17, this is a direct reference to souls (what did you catch!) Notice verse 11a, “153 large fish caught”, pointing out an exact number of mature (discipled) fish (souls). 11b, the “nets were not torn” suggests that none whom Christ has called will be lost (John 6:39). Taking that into consideration, this passage presents a beautiful picture of Christ’s co-labourers coming before Him on ‘That Day,’ enjoying together the catch, rewards, fellowship and the Feast. Whether you accept my interpretation of this passage, or not, is not important… what is important is that you are prepared to meet Jesus ‘On That Day’ and as believers, you don’t come before Him with empty nets!

(Group evangelism training available – inquire within).

God bless,
Marc Wheway
Chief Commissioner