John 21:4-8 4And as it was already early morning, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6And he said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and they were not able to haul it in from the large number of fish. 7Then the disciple, that one whom Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Then when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied around his outer garment, for he was stripped, and cast himself into the sea. 8And the other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from the land, but about three hundred feet, dragging the net full of fish.
Many things happen at dawn in the Bible and particularly with Jesus’ resurrection. The seven disciples were out in a boat fishing, but not having any luck. Jesus was standing on the shore, waiting for them. John does not give the reason why the disciples did not recognize Jesus. It could have been because it was still dark or that they were troubled in their hearts with weak faith. They still had much to learn and grow in.
Jesus responds in a way that might be missed in translation. The word translated as children (paidia) could be taken as an intimate way one might address someone close in relationship. It indicates the intimacy a parent has toward a child. The word fish (prosphagion) is found only here in the New Testament and refers to fish that are ready to eat. Basically, Jesus was calling out to them, “Hey, guys, did you catch anything good to eat for breakfast?” Sadly, they had nothing. It would be a bleak morning with no breakfast.
Jesus’ instructions would seem odd to most people, especially to people who lived on the lake. The disciples had tried all night but no fish. They were experienced fishermen and knew it was not a good day for fishing. Jesus’ directions seemed simple enough, but human nature would be to question what he said. But, the disciples listened. There is no hint why the right side of the boat might be special. Jesus’ directions were like someone telling the secret place to catch fish. When the disciples listened to this stranger and put their nets on the other side of the boat, their nets caught so many fish they could not haul them in. Some of them had already experienced a similar situation with Jesus in Luke 5:1–11. Perhaps this new experience began to jog their memory of what happened to them when they first met Jesus.
The first to recognize Jesus was John, the disciple Jesus loved. Again, John does not describe how or what caused him to recognize Jesus. John often showed insight into Jesus that others missed, which might be part of the reason he was called the beloved disciple. Peter was the leader of the group, and so it was natural for John to tell him that Jesus was on the shore. Peter, ever quick to action, put his clothes on and jumped into the water and likely swam to shore. The boat was not out too far, two hundred cubits or about 300 feet, since they could see and hear Jesus. It is funny how Peter left everyone else to pull the fish into the boat. The one who was intimidated by a servant girl was now quick to respond in recognition of the risen Lord. Jesus was no longer simply “Rabbi”; he was now the Lord, victorious over sin, death, and nature. It was going to be a good day after all.
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