2 Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.
3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea.
8 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.
9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”
11 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.
13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise.
14 This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.” John 21:1-14.
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First of all, it is interesting that Jesus chose “Doubting Thomas” as one of the disciples to whom He manifested Himself. In the prior passage, Jesus sharply told him: “… Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29.
There is an introductory lesson to be learned here. We will be reproved, disciplined, and even scourged by our LORD. Hebrews 12:4-17. But, let us confess our sins, turn around our behavior, and help others. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6
The key word for this Scripture is “manifest”. As we study Scripture, we should ask: “How does Jesus manifest Himself in this Scripture?”
In this Scripture for today, Jesus manifests Himself as our Provider. Jesus provided another appearance of Himself to Thomas. Jesus provided the miracle and instruction as to how to catch the fish. Jesus provided the fish. Jesus provided the bread. Jesus provided the grilling. Jesus provided the serving. Jesus provided the breakfast. Jesus provided another comforting appearance that indeed He was risen.
In beloved Psalm Chapter 23, we learn how the LORD is our Shepherd, our Provider. In John Chapter 10, Jesus identifies Himself as that Good Shepherd. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.
In conclusion, we should have no doubt that God provides all that we need and abundantly more. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 