After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. 2 Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6 So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. 7 So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. 9 When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.
In John 21:1-14, the appearance of the Risen Christ by the Sea of Tiberias is both a deeply personal and symbolically rich encounter between the Lord and His disciples. After an unfruitful night of fishing, Jesus appears on the shore at dawn, though the disciples do not initially recognize Him. At His word, they cast the net once more and catch an extraordinary number of fish—153 in total—revealing the miraculous nature of this encounter.
This scene echoes earlier moments in the Gospels. It recalls the miraculous catch in Luke 5:1-11, when Peter is first called, and it evokes the Emmaus encounter in Luke 24:13-35, where Jesus is recognized in the breaking of the bread. The setting at dawn also alludes to the light of the Resurrection that dispels the darkness of human labor without Christ (cf. John 20:1). The beloved disciple realizes, “It is the Lord!” (v. 7). Peter immediately leaps into the water to reach Him—an act of love and longing.
This episode serves as both a resurrection appearance and a renewal of apostolic mission. The dawn setting speaks of new beginnings and the light of Christ’s resurrection breaking through human confusion. The empty nets filled only at Jesus’ word remind us that our labor bears fruit only when united to Him. Without Christ, our efforts remain empty; with Him, even what seems ordinary becomes miraculous.
The meal they share is a simple one—bread and fish—but it carries a powerful message: Jesus is not distant or detached. He is the same Lord who once fed the crowds, calmed the storms, and called them friends. Now, in His risen glory, He draws near to meet their needs, to restore their hope, and to renew their sense of purpose. His act of providing both fish and fire prepares the way for a meaningful moment of fellowship, demonstrating His care and provision for those who follow Him.
For all who have known weariness or uncertainty in their walk of faith, this passage offers quiet reassurance: Christ stands on the shore of every new day, ready to guide, to provide, and to call us forward again. His invitation remains simple but life-changing: “Come.” In our weariness, He meets us in our emptiness and fills us with His presence.
Risen Lord, when our efforts seem empty and our hearts uncertain, remind us that You are near. Help us to listen for Your voice, to respond with trust, and to find joy in Your presence. Draw us into deeper friendship with You as we cast our nets again. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: The Pentateuch. Four Courts Press, 2017
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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