SERMON: “The Lord Provides in Ministry” (John 21:1–14)
“The
Lord Provides in Ministry”
(John 21:1–14)
Series: “John: Life in Christ’s Name” #108 Text: John 21:1–14
By: Shaun Marksbury Date: June
29, 2025
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church Occasion: AM Service
I.
Introduction
If there’s one thing we know we need to do as Christians, it’s
evangelize and proclaim the good news.
Yet, it’s easy to engage in ministry in our own strength. We grow up in the church singing about how we
are soldiers in the army of the Lord, which is true, but we sometimes operate
as though it is our own strength that wins us the battle. It’s not that we set out to do this, and we
might even pray for success, but we sometimes walk in the power of our flesh as
we seek to engage in ministry work.
This passage shows us something else. This is the great epilogue of the Book of
John, following his great purpose statement of John 20:30–31. While that brings most of the content of John’s
Gospel to a close, there are some unanswered questions, and this concluding
chapter answers them.
For now, we consider the provision that the Lord gives to
the disciples. There is some divided
commentary on this section, but we will come back to that theme. The disciples must be prepared for the coming
stage of their ministry, and we as believers must see what lessons we can learn
from time.
This passage teaches us that ministry apart from Christ is
fruitless, but when we rely on Him, He provides abundantly. We learn this in three truths about ministry. First, fishing without the Lord yields no
success (vv. 1–3). Second, fishing with
the Lord yields success (vv. 4–11).
Third, the Lord nourishes after fishing (vv. 12–14). Let’s consider the first of those.
II.
First, Fishing without the Lord Yields No Success
(vv. 1–3)
After these things
Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He
manifested Himself in this way. Simon
Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons
of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going
fishing.” They said to him, “We will
also come with you.” They went out and
got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
Some have wondered if the disciples were in complete sin
here. There are some who see this as a
moment where they are abandoning their call.
That is probably not really the case, though they are at this point
still wondering what’s next for them.
They are fishing, as v. 1 notes, “after these things.” This places this event after Jesus’
appearances in Jerusalem, including His encounter with doubting Thomas (20:24–29).
They are no longer in Jerusalem, but
have now moved north.
This verse says twice that Jesus “manifested” to them. This simply means that He revealed or make Himself
visible. In other words, this is Jesus’s
deliberate self-revelation to them, and He chooses their new location.
Now, the text records this location as on the shore of the Sea
of Tiberius. If you haven’t heard of
that name, that’s because John, the eyewitness, is able to call it by its Roman
name[1] and its
more familiar name, the Sea of Galilee (see 6:1). John
lived his life there, so he could accurately communicate where they were.
There’s some debate among conservative scholars, though, as
to why the disciples are here. Some
people see this as them being distraught and walking away, but that seems incompatible
with the fact that Jesus had appeared to them twice before this. John 20 moved from their grief to their joy,
so it doesn’t seem likely that they are abandoning their calling.
Another possibility is that they are by the Sea of Galilee because
Jesus told them to meet Him there. As
the Reformation Study Bible notes, this appearance in Galilee fulfills
the angel’s promise in Matthew 28:7.
This would set the stage for a familiar setting where Jesus had called
His first disciples (Luke 5:1–11). So,
it’s likely that they are there in confused obedience to the command of our
Lord, but they are simply unsure of what to do next.
The second verse tells us who were there. John names seven disciples: Simon Peter,
Thomas (called Didymus, meaning “twin”), Nathanael from Cana, the sons of
Zebedee (James and John), and two unnamed others, possibly Andrew and Philip.[2] This gathering wasn’t a formal meeting, but,
as one commentator observes, “It is good for the disciples of Christ to be much
together; not only in solemn religious assemblies, but in common conversation,
and about common business. Good
Christians should by this means both testify and increase their affection to,
and delight in, each other, and edify one another both by discourse and example.”[3] This
is a good example to us of the importance of being together.
Peter, listed first, seems to remain the group’s leader,
despite his recent denial of Christ (18:15–27).[4] Thomas, the former doubter (20:24), now
believes and stands with the rest. Nathanael,
who early confessed Jesus as the King of Israel (1:49), remains constant, and
saw the first miracle of Christ at a wedding in his hometown. The youngest
disciple there would be called to author this Gospel. Together, they highlight the diverse journeys
of faith, showing that any group of believers contains numerous stories which God
composes.
Of course, it’s evening, and the disciples are unsure of
what’s next. So, in v. 3, Peter
announces, “I am going fishing,” and the others join him. Again, while some see this as a sinful return
to their old trade, it’s more likely they were simply occupying themselves
while awaiting Jesus.[5] Fishing was their former livelihood,[6] and
with families as well as their own bodies to support, it was a natural choice. As one commentary notes, this was profitable
so they could “redeem time, and not be idle. They were not yet appointed to preach the
resurrection of Christ. Their commission
was in the drawing, but not perfected.”[7] So, they fish while they wait.
Yet, the outcome is striking for a group of experienced
fishermen. We read that “they caught
nothing.” Of course, we as readers might
recall Luke 5:5, where Peter toiled all night without success until Jesus
intervened. We also know that Jesus is
again going to manifest Himself, and as one commentator notes, “God permitted
them to toil to no purpose during the whole night, in order to prove the truth
of the miracle.”[8] For them in this moment, though, they worked
hard and didn’t have anything to show for it.
This fruitless night teaches us a sobering lesson: any effort
without the Lord’s blessing is futile. We
compare evangelism to fishing because that is what the Lord did. Yet, in ministry, we can plan, strategize,
and labor, but we will find our nets empty without Christ’s power. Have you ever poured your heart into a task — whether
sharing the gospel, serving the church, or raising your children — only to see
no results? This doesn’t always mean
Jesus has been absent, of course, as Jeremiah had the Lord’s blessing while
being seemingly fruitless. Still, this
passage reminds us that success in ministry depends on the Lord, not our
strength.
We don’t want to lean on our own skills and programs. We want to lean on the Lord. Only then will we see success, as we see
next:
III.
Second, Fishing with the Lord Yields Success
(vv. 4–11)
But when the day
was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that
it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them,
“Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the
right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to
haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said
to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when
Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was
stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little
boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away,
dragging the net full of fish. So when
they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed
on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have
now caught.” Simon Peter went up and
drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and
although there were so many, the net was not torn.
The Lord manifests Himself, and this is where we see the
events turn for the disciples. Where
they were unsuccessful, now, they are now successful. As we consider this passage, we’ll note two
truths about this moment. First, our efforts
are blessed in our obedience (vv. 4–8). Second,
our efforts are strengthened by the Lord (vv. 9–11).
A.
First, Our Efforts are Blessed in Our Obedience (vv.
4–8)
As dawn breaks in v. 4, Jesus stands on the shore, but the
disciples don’t recognize Him. This
echoes other post-resurrection appearances where Jesus’ identity was initially
hidden (Luke 24:16; John 20:14). They
are exhausted, and the darkness is a time of doubt, but they don’t know that
they are about to have an abundant catch!
Indeed, the dawn signals new hope,[9] as it often does in our
lives.
So, in v. 5, Jesus speaks to them. He calls out, “Children, you do not have any
fish, do you?” The term “children” is an
affectionate address in the original language, though it may sound
disrespectful to address men in this way.
We could translate it “lads”[10] or “my boys”[11] to
give an equivalent sense. It may be that
they would have assumed Him to be someone looking to buy some fish.[12]
His question, however, is framed in such a way to expect a
negative answer. So, it’s no surprise
that they confirm that they don’t. This
moment highlights their failure and sets the stage for Jesus’ intervention.
Yet, as one commentator observes, “In those disappointments
which to us are very grievous God has often designs that are very gracious.”[13] Jesus instructs them, “Cast the net on the
right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” This may have struck the average fishermen in
a similar situation as a ludicrous demand!
However, this incident might have made them think of years
earlier, when Jesus gave similar instructions in Luke 5:4, leading to a
miraculous catch. Whatever the reason,
they obey now without question, and the result is overwhelming: “they were not
able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.” The Greek imperfect tense of verb suggests
they kept trying to pull the net, but its abundance overwhelmed them.[14]
Note that their success comes when they obey Him. This miracle underscores Jesus’ words in John
15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Obedience to Christ transforms failure into
fruitfulness.
Of course, this is enough information for someone to put the
pieces together. John is the first to do
so, exclaiming to Peter in v. 7, “It is the Lord.” Peter needed no further explanation; impulsive
as ever, tucks in his outer garment and jumps in the water.
There is discussion here on how to translate the word “naked”
here, since this could mean either nude or lightly clad.[15] Yet, it’s unlikely Peter was naked as we would
define it, as the Jews typically viewed public nudity as immodest. They looked down on the Greeks for their nudity
during their games and time in the gymnasium for that reason.[16] It’s more likely that Peter had simply stripped
down to a loin cloth under the labor of fishing that evening[17]
than his fishing fully nude.
Yet, if Peter is acting impulsively, why would he take a
moment to put on more clothing before jumping into the water? As one commentary notes, while this would
make swimming more difficult, for religious people, “they do not pass the
greeting to another without being dressed. How, then, can Peter greet Jesus without being
clothed?”[18] Peter’s action reflects reverence, ensuring
he greets Jesus properly. This not only demonstrates
Peter’s zeal, it’s a reminder to us that we should seek to honor the Lord as we
enter into His presence.
The other disciples, more practical, come by boat in v.
8. They were dragging the net, after all,
though they were only about 100 yards (200 cubits) from shore. Their obedience to Jesus’s command brought
success, but it was His presence that made the difference.
Obedience to Christ is the key to fruitful ministry. When we follow His leading, even simple acts —
like casting a net — can yield extraordinary results. On the flip side, we don’t want to operate
according to our own ideas and according to the flesh. Whatever you do, whether it’s teaching a Bible
study, sharing the gospel, or serving your family, obey His call, and trust Him
for the outcome.
Again, note that it was really Jesus that filled that
net. That’s what we’re trusting as we
obey Him. And, we can know we won’t grow
weary, bringing us to the next point:
B.
Second, Our Efforts are Strengthened by the Lord
(vv. 9–11)
As the disciples get to shore, they are surprised by what
they see: a charcoal fire with fish and bread already prepared. The only other time we say a charcoal fire
like this is in John 18:18, where Peter warmed himself before denying Jesus, which
we’ll talk about next time. Lord willing.
Their catch was necessary, though, because the word for “fish” and
“bread” are singular, implying a small amount.[19] We might ask where Jesus got the fish and the
bread, as it, like His appearance, might be miraculous.[20]
Jesus says, “Bring some of the fish which you have now
caught.” While He provided the fire and
initial provisions, He invites the disciples to contribute their catch, showing
that He now works through their efforts; they can’t expect that He will always
multiply fish and loaves for them as He did back in John 6. This balance — Christ’s provision and our
participation — is a model for ministry. He equips us, but we must act in faith.
In v. 11, we see Peter returning to the boat to haul the net
ashore. John records that it’s filled
with 153 large fish. Some teachers
through the ages have proposed numerous symbolic interpretations[21] — and
I must confess that, as a younger believer, I wondered what God could be
telling us in the 153 fish! The reality,
though, is probably simpler; as the MacArthur Study Bible notes, it reinforces
John’s eyewitness testimony (1 John 1:1–4).[22]
The more impressive note here is that “the net was not
torn.” It might have been expected to
tear, like how the Israelites’ shoes should have worn out in the wilderness. When we are fishing with the Lord, He not
only blesses us with the increase, but also with the strength and ability to
carry out our efforts!
We could end here, but we should note the gracious
invitation of the Lord in these final two verses.
IV.
Third, the Lord Nourishes After Fishing (vv. 12–14)
Jesus said to
them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of
the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the
Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave
it to them, and the fish likewise. This
is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was
raised from the dead.
Jesus initiates a call to intimate and full fellowship[23]
after the labor. The disciples are now
certain it is the Lord; one commentary says they dare not question, “Is it really you?”[24] Their certainty reflects a deepening faith. This meal, prepared by Jesus, symbolizes His
ongoing care, nourishing them physically and spiritually.
Jesus takes the bread and fish, giving them to the disciples. It’s unclear here whether Jesus multiplied
his own fish and bread for them supernaturally, or if they also ate from the
catch they just brought near. Either
way, this is almost like communion, a reminder of the last supper.[25] This reinforces Jesus’s role for His
disciples as provider and comforter.
This is “the third time that Jesus was manifested to the
disciples” after His resurrection. That likely
referring to group appearances (John 20:19–23, 24–29), which would exclude
Mary’s encounter (20:11–18). The
reminder that He was raised from the dead is necessary; Jesus was there
physically, and He was there to strengthen them physically and spiritually. After the ascension, they would need to
remember this as they carry out their mission.
In ministry, such communion is often neglected. We get busy with family, study, and service,
so we naturally grow weary. Yet, we can
forget that He offers us rest and sustenance. Are you pausing to fellowship with Christ,
drawing strength from His presence through prayer and the Word?
V.
Conclusion
Jesus provides for every aspect of our ministry. When we fish without Him, our efforts yield
nothing. But, when we obey His voice,
our nets overflow with His blessing. And
after our labor, He nourishes us with His presence and provision. This passage settled in the disciples’ minds
that they were called to serve Christ for life, overcoming their fears and
failures.
So, depend on Jesus in every step of ministry. Whether you’re sharing the gospel, serving in
the church, or living out your faith at home, rely on His power, obey His
leading, and trust His provision. As
Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who
build it.” Let’s commit to fishing with
the Lord, confident that He will fill our nets and sustain us for His glory.
[1] “Tiberias, the capital city of Galilee, gave this
epithet to the Sea of Galilee.” A. T.
Robertson, Word Pictures in the New
Testament, (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jn 21:1.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Matthew Henry, Matthew
Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume,
(Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2056.
[4] John MacArthur Jr., Ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed., (Nashville, TN: Word
Pub., 1997), 1628.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Robertson, Jn 21:3.
[7] Henry, 2056.
[8] John Calvin and William Pringle, Commentary on the Gospel according to John, (Bellingham, WA: Logos
Bible Software, 2010), 2:284.
[9] Gerald L. Borchert, John 12–21, The New American Commentary, (Nashville: Broadman &
Holman Publishers, 2002), 25B:326.
[10] Edwin A. Blum, The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 2, 344.
[11] Robertson, Jn 21:5.
[12] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne
House, The Nelson Study Bible: New King
James Version, (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997), Jn 21:5.
[13] Henry, 2056.
[14] Robertson, Jn 21:6.
[15] John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael
S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R.
Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study
Bible, (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Jn 21:7.
[16] Borchert, 25B:328.
[17] Calvin, 2:285.
[18] Borchert, 25B:328.
[19] Ronald L. Trail, An
Exegetical Summary of John 10–21, Exegetical Summaries, (Dallas, TX: SIL
International, 2018), 472–473.
[20] MacArthur, 1628.
[21] Borchert, 25B:330.
[22] MacArthur, 1628.
[23] John F. MacArthur Jr., John 12–21, MacArthur New Testament Commentary, (Chicago, IL: Moody
Publishers, 2008), 394.
[24] Trail, 475.
[25] Barry, et. al., Jn 21:13.
