Yeshua’s Resurrection & Appearances ~ Part 5
In our last post, we explored Yeshua’s Resurrection & Appearances. We will continue to examine His Resurrection & Appearance.
Yeshua’s Appears to the Talmidim
The Synoptic Gospels had mentioned that Yeshua would appear to the talmidim in the Galil (Mattityahu 28:7, 10; Mark 16:7), and Mattityahu 28:16–20 reports one such appearance. Here Yochanan describes another, earlier appearance.
1 After this, Yeshua appeared again to the talmidim at Lake Tiberias (Galilee). Here is how it happened: 2 Shim’on Kefa and T’oma (his name means “twin”) were together with Natan’el from Kanah in the Galil, the sons of Zavdai (James & John), and two other talmidim. 3 Shim’on Kefa said, “I’m going fishing.” They said to him, “We’re coming with you.” They went and got into the boat, but that night they didn’t catch anything.
Shim’on Kefa said, “I’m going fishing.” He was going back to his old way of life, apparently unaware of what Yeshua’s commission (Yochanan 20:21) meant. The others followed his example and went with him. The result of this self- rather than God-determined activity was that they didn’t catch anything. They caught a netful when they allowed the Messiah to determine what they should do (v. 11).
4 However, just as day was breaking, Yeshua stood on the shore, but the talmidim didn’t know it was He. 5 He said to them, “You don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered Him. 6 He said to them, “Throw in your net to starboard, and you will catch some.” So they threw in their net, and there were so many fish in it that they couldn’t haul it aboard. 7 The talmid Yeshua loved said to Kefa, “It’s the Lord!” On hearing it was the Lord, Shim’on Kefa threw on his coat because he was stripped for work and plunged into the lake; 8 but the other talmidim followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish; for they weren’t far from shore, only about a hundred yards. 9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a fire of burning coals with a fish on it and some bread. 10 Yeshua said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 Shim’on Kefa went up and dragged the net ashore. It was full of fish, 153 of them, but even with so many, the net wasn’t torn.
Various attempts have been made to interpret the number 153 symbolically, but most likely, it simply represents the actual number of fish. Large numbers elsewhere in Yochanan are meant literally as well (2:6; 12:3).
12 Yeshua said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the talmidim dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Yeshua came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Yeshua had appeared to the talmidim after being raised from the dead. [1]
By taking the bread and fish and giving them to His talmidim, Yeshua acted as a Jewish host pronouncing the blessing at a meal (Yochanan 6:11, 23).
Kefa Reinstated
15 After breakfast, Yeshua said to Shim’on Kefa, “Shim’on Bar-Yochanan, do you love (agape) me more than these?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend (phileō).” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time, He said to him, “Shim’on Bar-Yochanan, do you love (agape) me? ” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend (phileō).” He said to him, “Shepherd, my sheep.” 17 The third time, He said to him, “Shim’on Bar-Yochanan, are you my friend (phileō)?” Shim’on was hurt that He questioned him a third time: “Are you my friend (phileō)?” So, he replied, “Lord, you know everything! You know I’m your friend (phileō)!” Yeshua said to him, “Feed my sheep!
Let me rant for a minute. This passage is one of my favorites, but I really believe that to bring out the true meaning of it, translators need not change the Greek for the squishy English “love.” That is the only way you can clearly see that Yeshua asked Kefa if he had the highest form of love toward Him. Kefa answered, “Yes, I am one of your friends.” In addition, you don’t know that on the third question, Yeshua came down to Kefa’s level. Kefa had denied knowing the Lord, and now Yeshua was restoring him in these three questions.
Kefa’s Death Foretold
18 Yes, indeed! I tell you, when you were younger, you put on your clothes and went where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 He said this to indicate the kind of death by which Kefa would bring glory to God. Then Yeshua said to him, “Follow me!”
The kind of death by which Kefa would glorify God… Tradition has it that he was crucified upside-down because he said he was unworthy to be crucified in the same position as his Lord. He is believed to have died in Rome in the mid-60s CE.
20 Kefa turned and saw the talmid Yeshua especially loved following behind, the one who had leaned against him at the supper and had asked, “Who is the one who is betraying you?” 21 On seeing him, Kefa said to Yeshua, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Yeshua said to him, “If I want him to stay on until I come, what is it to you? You, follow me!” 23 Therefore, the word spread among the brothers that talmid would not die. However, Yeshua didn’t say he wouldn’t die, but simply, “If I want him to stay on until I come, what is it to you?” 24 This one is the talmid who is testifying about these things and who has recorded them. [2]
Yeshua rules out curiosity about matters that do not concern us or help us live a holy life, although He does not rule out a scientific inquiry into how the world works. Likewise, He excludes unhealthy, jealous competition concerned with comparing our lives, tasks, gifts, accomplishments, interests, and calling with those of others. Yeshua’s central point in both matters is: You, follow me!
In our next post, we will explore Yeshua’s Final Instructions and Ascension.
My Heart is for Israel 