(4th September 2011) A Miracle of '153'

 

Sermon Summary 20110904

 

 

A Miracle of '153'

John 21:5~11

 

 

 

 

After resurrection of Jesus Christ, He showed himself to Maria and the other disciples including Thomas who asked Jesus to show his marks of hands and foots. And then he went to the Sea of Tiberias for meeting Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples (vers. 2). I would think he wants to meet specially Simon Peter.

This is very amazing to us. When Jesus first called Peter in Galilee seashore, Peter was fishing all night long. Now after resurrection, he also meets him in the Sea of Tiberias in very similar situation.

In this moment, we can find very strange one. Simon Peter and his friends, other disciples did not recognise Jesus Christ although they followed him during three years. Why did they recognise him? They possessed heartbreak and incomplete faith to the Lord. According to John 16:30, "Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." They represented that Jesus is a son of God and only savior for people in the world. But after death of Jesus Christ in the Cross, they expected that Jesus amazingly resurrected again in front of all people in Jerusalem. But passing many days and nights, there was nothing there. They were disappointed very much. So they returned to their past lives.

Jesus who resurrected from death came to them for consolation and peace.

Reading verse 6, Jesus Christ made them throw your net on the right side of the boat and they found a lot of fish in the net. This is a miracle! they recognised Jesus Christ. Simon Peter wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. However, the other disciples hold their net in the boat. In this point, let us think! Who is similar to you? Peter ran into Jesus Christ without any his own. But the others stayed in the boat with a lot of fish. I hope you are Simon Peter. The most blessed ones are those who only look at the Lord.

When Peter saw his net, it was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. This miracle is not past. In Korea this presents in 1963. When a president Son's company was at the brink of bankruptcy, he prayed for this. He repented that he did not go to church on every Sunday, offer tithes and participate in early morning services. And then he read the text, John 21:1~14. So he prayed for that; "Oh, Lord, I will make a ballpoint pen adding the number, 153. Please the pen will be sold 5 billion pens." The pen has been called "MONAMI 153". In the fact, the pen was sold more than 5 billion. His company is very famous in the world.

Even though you are sinners like Peter and a president Son, you must repent your sin and obey his words. If so, you can find his amazing blessing even with so many the net was not torn. Amen!