1. The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 4: Miraculous Catches of Fish Luke 5:1-11; John 21:1-11

2. The Sea of Galilee The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake through which the Jordan River flows. It is pear-shaped, with a length from north to south of 13 miles, a maximum width of 8 miles, and a maximum depth of 157 feet; it covers about 64 sq. miles. The lake lies 686 feet below sea level. In the Bible, it is also known as Chinnereth, Gennesaret and Tiberias.

3. The Sea of Galilee Most of Jesus’ activity around the Sea of Galilee occurred along the northern coast

4. Fishing on the Sea of Galilee The boat below is a replica of boats used to fish on Galilee in Jesus’ day. The fish at right are Tilapia, the only large fish in the Sea of Galilee that school.

5. Details of the Miracle in Luke 5:1-11  Multitudes press to hear the “word of God” (5:1) (lit. the word “from God”, cf. Luke 8:11, 21; 11:28)  Jesus uses Simon Peter’s boat as a pulpit (5:2-3)  When He is finished speaking He tells Peter to “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (5:4)  Peter answers, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” (5:6)

6. Details of the Miracle in Luke 5:1-11  They catch a great number of fish (5:6-7) So many fish that the net was breaking, and two boats were filled and sinking.  Peter fell down at Jesus’ knees and said “Depart from me for I am a sinful man.” (5:8) Despite being professional fishermen, Peter and all who were with Him were astonished at the catch (5:9) It signified miraculous knowledge on the part of Jesus.  Jesus tells Peter and his partners, “do not be afraid, from now on you will catch men.” (5:10) They brought their boats to land, forsook all and followed Jesus (5:11) (Mark 10:28-30; Luke 14:33)

7. Details of the Miracle in John 21:1-11  Jesus shows Himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberius after His resurrection (21:1) The disciples had returned to Galilee as instructed by Jesus (Matthew 28:10, 16)  Peter announces that he is going fishing; Thomas, Nathanael, James, John and two other disciples decide to go with Peter (21:2-3) They fish all night and catch nothing.

8. Sunrise on Galilee as seen from Tiberius In the morning, Jesus appears on the shore and tells them to cast their nets on the right side (21:4) He is not recognized by His disciples at first. When they do as He says, they catch a great multitude of fish. (21:5-6)

9. Details of the Miracle in John 21:1-11  When Peter recognizes that it is Jesus, he puts on his coat and jumps into the sea (21:7-11) The other disciples come in the boat dragging the net. The disciples see a fire with fish and bread. Jesus instructs them to bring some of the fish they had just caught. Peter drags up the unbroken net with 153 fish.  The disciples recognize Jesus as the resurrected Lord (21:12-14)

10. Comparing Two Miraculous Catches Luke 5:1-11 & John 21:1-11 In both…  Jesus shows supernatural knowledge.  The disciples had fished all night and caught nothing.  The disciples landed a large catch when they followed Jesus’ instructions.  Peter’s faith is bolstered. They differ…  In the time they occurred.  In the size of the catch.  In when the disciples knew that it was Jesus who was speaking to them – in Luke’s account it is a test of obedience.

11. Contrasting Peter’s Reactions  In Luke 5, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and asks Him to depart, “for I am a sinful man.” He is challenged to become a fisher of men. Jesus is worshiped as God because He is God (John 1:1,18; 20:28; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1)  In John 21, Peter jumps into the sea to get to Jesus. He confesses his love for Christ three times! He is challenged to tend and feed Jesus’ sheep, and he is told that he would eventually give his life in doing so. (21:15ff.)