Here is some commentary concerning the fish:
v 8The rest of the disciples make it to shore: 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.
This tells us also how far Peter swam, the boat was 100 yards off shore so Peter swam 100 yards. Not a small task.
v 9-10The Lord was there, waiting for them:
And so when they got out upon 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.
Jesus had made preparation for them. Everything was set for their arrival.
NOW SOMETHING IS LITTLE FISHY HERE.
1.The word FISH in verse 8 is ICQUS , the common word for fish.
2.The word FISH in verses 9 and 10 is the word OPSARION
3.That word can mean small fish (like smelt) or the sauce that is prepared before hand that is like a relish that was eaten with fish.
This was a delicacy in the ancient world
4.In verse 11 the word ICQUS is again used for FISH.
LET'S RECONCILE THESE WORDS AND GET SOME PRINCIPLES.
1.Jesus Christ was there waiting for them. The fire which He built looks at judgment, judgment only he could undertake for us.
2.Bread is a common picture in the scriptures of the Word of God. And the disciples, tired as they were, obeyed the Word of the Lord in casting their nets on the other side of the ship.
3.The relish is the relish of life, that which makes everything, even our production in Christ's power and by His word, better.
Life goes better with Christ, He is the one who refreshes.
4.The Lord them summons His disciples as He summons us today. He tells them to add some of there little fish to the fire.
5.Notice verse 11: Peter, the one who should be worn out having just broken the record in the 100 yard swim is the one who pulls in the net. This pictures his strength being in the Lord, not in Himself.
6.The disciples add to what the Lord had prepared what they now possessed, the fish. And they all benefitted, they would all eat.
They only had to haul in the catch, the Lord had done everything else.
7.But even that was possessed by them because they obeyed the Lord's Word and the fish were theirs because of His power.
PARRALELS: And there are a few.
1.Even our fruit, our production, must be in the power of the Lord as we obey His Word.
2.The Lord gives us the power to produce but the enjoyment, the relish of life is found in His presence.
3.What we produce, the fruit of our labor, is returned to the Lord and all are blessed.
4.We can also see a picture of the Fish being those we catch for Christ or win to the Lord, and they are to be brought to Him.
5.And although we may be tired in the flesh, as was Peter after His swim, when we serve the Lord, obey His word, operate in His strength, we not faint, nor will we be weary.
v 12-13A Picture of intimate Fellowship.
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.
The invitation is given. The disciples chose to have fellowship with their Savior and Friend Jesus.
They know Him, they need not ask any questions. He is the WHO and that sets asides the many WHY's of life.
Jesus came and took the bread, and gave them, and the fish likewise.
The bread looks at Jesus provision of the Word of God to his children.
The Fish looks at the believer's production which is in the hands of the Lord and by His authority and power.
The eating together looks at the fellowship the believer can have with the Lord Jesus Christ.
v 14This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
And from this fellowship is going to come service and from that service will come suffering
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