Bible Study

The region surrounding the Sea of Tiberias is very familiar to the disciples. Their families were there and they also grew up there. They were fishermen making a living there before they became Jesus’ disciples. It was Jesus’ mission territory from the very beginning, and where they received their discipleship training for 3 years from Jesus.

1.2) Why did the disciples come to the Sea of Tiberias after seeing the resurrected Jesus at Jerusalem ? (Matthew 26:31-32)

They were there either because of the instruction from Jesus before the crucifixion or because they have nowhere else to go but to return to their families.

1.3) What was in Peter’s mind when he said, “I am going out to fish”. (Matthew 18:21-22)

1) He might have though that he was no longer good enough to follow Jesus after three-time denial and all he could do was to go back to his old job.

2) He was waiting for the resurrected Jesus to reappear to him. While waiting for Jesus, he decided to make some money for his family by fishing.

1.4) Why didn’t the disciple go around and peach the Gospel, even after they had seen the resurrected Jesus? ( Acts 1:8)

Even though they saw the risen Jesus, they were still afraid of being arrested by the religious authorities. In order to peach Gospel boldly, they needed to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

2.1) What is the meaning that they could not catch any fish throughout the night? (Psalm 127:1)

When your labor is not according to the will of God, your labor would be in vain.

When you are working according to the will of God, you may be successful temporarily, but your life is empty without meaning.

Jesus was waiting for the disciples. He knew that the disciples were tired from fishing all night.

3.2) What do you think about Jesus who was asking people in the boat, “Friends, haven't you any fish”? ( Matthew 6:31-32)

1) He cared for the disciples.
2) He knew they failed to catch any fish.
3) He knew they were tired and hungry.
4) He had already prepared food for them.

They thought he was one of the people who came to buy fish in the early morning.

Peter experienced a miracle by obeying Jesus’ command.

4.2) What are the conditions required for anyone who wants to experience a miracle?

In order to experience a miracle, a person has to: 1) Believe in the promise of God and 2) Be obedient to God’s command.

John recalled a similar event happened when Peter first met Jesus.

Right away Peter jumped into the water and swam towards Jesus

John is spiritually quick to recognize Jesus.

Peter is quick in action upon the recognition of Jesus.

7.1) Why did Peter wrap his outer garment around him while swimming to reach Jesus, even though it would slow down his swimming?

He believed that Jesus is the Son of God. He wanted to show the utmost respect in front of Jesus by putting on his outer garment after reaching Jesus.

1) He loved Jesus deeply.
2) He knew that he loved Jesus from his heart, although he had denied Jesus three times earlier.
3) He longed to see Jesus. He could not stay in the boat and wait for it to reach the seashore.

8.1) When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Where did Jesus obtain the fish and bread?

8.2) Why did Jesus ask the disciples to bring their fish that were caught on the boat?

Open question. Natural fish tastes better than supernaturally made fish?

Jesus blessed His disciples with: 1) A large number of fish 2) Big fish 3) A net that was not torn even with a large number of fish.

Jesus. He is the truth. Satan has no truth in him. Satan tells lies.

The Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of truth

The conqueror is the truth. Any opposition will be crushed.

He did not belong to the truth. He belong to the world and controlled by the deceiving spirit.

1. Do you let your past failure put yourself down? How do you rescue yourself from it?

No. Come to Jesus. He will allow a new start and opportunity.

2. What will be the result of your labor, if your work is not according to the will of God?

3. When you do not agree with what God ask you to do according to the Word of God, what would you do?

God’s wisdom and knowledge is far beyond our comprehension. We might not agree with the Word of God because we simply could not understand God’s wisdom. The only thing for us to do is to obey the Word of God. As the result, we would experience miracles in life.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus! I will always have hope in You, in spite of my failure in the past. Thank You that You always watch over me. When I am in need, You prepare and provide what I need. Please give me the faith to obey Your commands, so that I may receive God’s prepared blessing for me. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!