1. In ch.18-20 of his Gospel the apostle John wrote about the Lord's "passion ministry." 2. By carefully examining the 4 Gospels we can know the details of the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection. 3. Following His resurrection Jesus made numerous appearances before many witnesses. 4. In this lesson we are studying the information recorded in John 21:1-14. a. Jesus appeared to 7 of His disciples. b. Jesus performed a miracle.
Discussion:
I. (John 21:1-2) JESUS APPEARED TO 7 OF HIS DISCIPLES
A. The location was "the sea of Tiberias [Galilee]." B. The 7 disciples are listed.
II. (John 21:3-14) JESUS PERFORMED A MIRACLE
A. Jesus caused the disciples to catch a great number of fish. 1. Let us keep in mind how this miracle relates to the general theme of John's Gospel [revealed in John 20:30-31]. 2. During His ministry, Jesus: a. turned water into wine (2:1-11) b. healed the nobleman's son (4:46-54) c. healed the impotent man (5:1-9) d. fed the 5,000 (6:5-14) e. walked on the water (6:16-21) f. gave sight to a man born blind (9:1-7) g. raised Lazarus from the grave (11:1-45). 3. Earlier, at the beginning of His ministry, Jesus performed a similar miracle (Luke 5:1-11). B. (vs.3) Peter and the other disciples went fishing and caught nothing. C. (vs.4-6) Jesus spoke to the disciples from the shore. 1. The disciples did not recognize the Lord at this point. 2. They followed His instructions and caught many [153] fish. D. (vs.7-13) The disciples recognized the Lord and joined Him at the shore for breakfast. E. (vs.14) This is the third time that John wrote about when Jesus appeared to the disciples. 1. Jesus had appeared to 10 disciples when Thomas was absent (20:19-25). 2. He had appeared to the disciples when Thomas was present (20:26-29).
