THE FISHERMAN BECOMES THE SHEPHERD
On Sea of Tiberias.
Several days after this, Peter and six other disciples were back on the sea of Tiberias, fishing. They were in Galilee, evidently waiting to meet the Lord there as He had promised. One evening, as if Peter had almost despaired of waiting, he said to the others,
"I'm going a fishing."
"We also go with thee," said they.
They entered into a boat immediately, and let down their nets. They toiled all night, and caught nothing, just as some of them had done on a memorable occasion several months before.
As morning dawned, they saw a man standing on the shore, but in the distance, they could not tell who he was. Suddenly the man cried,
"Sirs, have ye any meat?"
"No," was their reply.
Many Fish Caught.
"Cast the net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find," said the man.
They did so, and caught so many fish that they could scarcely draw in the net.
John, whose loving eyes were made more keen by a loving heart, rushed to Peter's side and whispered, "It is the Lord."
Instantly, Peter knew John spoke the truth, and man of action that he was, he put on his fisherman's coat, plunged into the sea, and hastened to the feet of his Master. The others came in the little ship, dragging the net of fishes.
Jesus had already started a fire, and' was cooking them something to eat. After the greetings, He said, "Bring of the fish which ye have now caught."
Peter was the leader in going to the net and in drawing it to the land. While the fish were cooking, the disciples counted the number caught, and found that in that one draught there were one hundred and fifty-three: "and for all there were so many, yet was the net not broken."
Peter a Shepherd of Christ's Fold.
Jesus had shown them where to catch the fish, He had started the fire on which to cook them, and now "He taketh the bread and giveth them and the fish likewise." Surely these little incidents would tend to impress them with the truth that if they "would seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness all else will be added." At any rate, this is the lesson taught on that great occasion: The apostles were not now to spend their lives seeking the things which perish, but in searching for souls that will endure throughout all eternity. Many are now together in the fold of Christ, and the shepherd is called away. Henceforward Peter and his associates must be the keepers of this flock.
When they had broken their fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?"
"Yea, Lord," answered Peter, "Thou knowest that I love Thee."
"Feed my lambs." That is, Take care of the little ones in my Church. Do not let them go astray in paths that will lead them to sin and misery.
He saith unto him again the second time,
"Simon, son of Jonas lovest thou me?"
"Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee."
"Feed my sheep." Keep the older ones together and give them the words of life as thou hast received them from me.
A third time Jesus said,
"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"
And Peter, somewhat grieved, answered, "Lord, thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee."
"Feed my sheep."
Duty First.
And then the Savior admonished Peter not always to follow his own inclinations, and impulsive nature; but ever to do his duty as the Shepherd of the Fold. When Peter was young, and did not have the knowledge and responsibility he now possessed, he could go fishing, and make money, or study, or do whatever he wished, but now he must attend to his duties in the Kingdom of God no matter what might come to him personally in doing so. Even though Peter's duty led to the cross, the Savior said, "Follow me."
While this conversation was going on, Jesus and Peter were walking alone a little ahead of the others. Peter turned, and saw John following close to them.
"Lord," said Peter, "what is John to do?"
"If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee, follow thou me." As much as to say, Just attend faithfully to your duty, Peter, teach others to do the same, and all will be well.
This is the last recorded word of Christ to Peter; but he was present of course when the Savior gave His final charge to the Twelve.[[1]]
From this time Peter's zeal in the Work of the Ministry was constant, and his boldness unsubdued.