This painting by J.J. Tissot, made between 1886 and 1894, measuring approximately 6x10 inches, is located at the Brooklyn Museum. We see the six disciples who had returned to their careers as fishermen pulling a very heavy net containing 153 large fish onto shore, with Jesus, dressed in white, looking on. The disciples are tired, having worked all night without catching anything. They recognized Jesus because of his repetition of an earlier incident, recorded in Luke chapter five. However, they don't dare confirm his identity. Possibly they are embarrassed because they had returned from following him to following their previous lifestyle. However, Jesus has provided them and their families with a catch of fish for food and profit, and has called them to return to him. He is continuing to change their lives by his presence as the risen Lord.
Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 21. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. At the start of John 21, why would Peter and several other disciples go fishing? What does this tell you about their expectations?
2. John doesn't tell us about an earlier event, but Luke does, in chapter five. The disciples had been fishing all night without catching anything. Jesus calls to them, tells them to cast the net again, and they catch a large number of fish. What would John's description of this catch of fish in chapter 21 add to a reader's understanding of the Christian life?
3. Jesus spends time restoring Peter. What do his three questions signify? What do we know about Peter's future activities that would be influenced by this conversation with Jesus?
4. John speaks about rumors that he would not die. What would this suggest about him and the composition of his Gospel account?
5. Did John intend to tell everything that Jesus did? What is his purpose in writing the Gospel account?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 21. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. At the start of John 21, why would Peter and several other disciples go fishing? What does this tell you about their expectations?
2. John doesn't tell us about an earlier event, but Luke does, in chapter five. The disciples had been fishing all night without catching anything. Jesus calls to them, tells them to cast the net again, and they catch a large number of fish. What would John's description of this catch of fish in chapter 21 add to a reader's understanding of the Christian life?
3. Jesus spends time restoring Peter. What do his three questions signify? What do we know about Peter's future activities that would be influenced by this conversation with Jesus?
4. John speaks about rumors that he would not die. What would this suggest about him and the composition of his Gospel account?
5. Did John intend to tell everything that Jesus did? What is his purpose in writing the Gospel account?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!
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