Matthew Henry Commentary John 21:1-14

"After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested [himself] on this wise. There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing. But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off), dragging the net [full] of fishes. So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now taken. Simon Peter therefore went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, the net was not rent. Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus cometh, and taketh the bread, and giveth them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead." — John 21:1-14 (ASV)

Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his ordinances; but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when they are engaged in their work. It is good for the disciples of Christ to be together in ordinary conversation and common tasks. The time for them to begin their main work had not yet arrived. They would help to support themselves and not be a burden to anyone.

Christ's time of making himself known to his people is when they are most at a loss. He knows the temporal needs of his people and has promised them not only sufficient grace but also food convenient. Divine Providence extends to the smallest matters, and blessed are those who acknowledge God in all their ways. Those who are humble, diligent, and patient, though their efforts may be thwarted, will be crowned; they sometimes live to see their affairs take a favorable turn after many struggles.

And nothing is lost by obeying Christ's commands; it is like casting the net on the right side of the boat. Jesus reveals himself to his people by doing for them what no one else can do, and things they did not expect. He would ensure that those who left everything for him should not want any good thing. And later blessings should bring to mind former blessings, so that bread already eaten may not be forgotten.

He whom Jesus loved was the first to say, It is the Lord. John had clung most closely to his Master in his sufferings and recognized him quickest. Peter was the most zealous and reached Christ first. How differently God distributes his gifts, and what differences there may be between some believers and others in the way they honor Christ, yet all may be accepted by him! Others continue in the boat, drag the net, and bring the fish to shore; such people should not be blamed as worldly, for in their roles, they are serving Christ as truly as the others.

The Lord Jesus had provisions ready for them. We do not need to be overly curious in asking from where this came; but we can be comforted by Christ's care for his disciples. Although there were so many, and such large fish, they lost none, nor did they damage their net. The net of the gospel has enclosed multitudes, yet it is as strong as ever to bring souls to God.