Each of us will need to deal with death. Peter had to deal with Jesus’ death. ◦He goes through four steps.

Step One: Doubt vv 1-3

Seven disciples are together. ◦They have been through much.  Surely, they are trying to make sense of everything.  “They [Peter and John] did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead” (Jn 20:9). ◦Maybe these disciples are something of a support group.

The disciples fished all night, but they caught nothing. ◦Some say this is contrary to Jesus’ Commission.  Jesus gave the Commission just before His ascension (Acts 1:8-9). ◦The disciples were fishermen by trade (Matt 4:18- 22). Maybe the disciples are trying to earn a little money. ◦They don’t know what else to do.

When we face death, we often don’t know what to do.

Step Two: Duty vv 4-6

Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples failed to recognize Him. ◦Jesus apparently had a “new” body after the Resurrection.  When Jesus appeared to the two on the way to Emmaus, “their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him” (Lk 24:16).  Jesus passed through walls after the Resurrection (Jn 20:19). ◦Jesus seems to have had a glorified body after the Resurrection.

The disciples hadn’t caught any fish all night, but Jesus tells them to throw their nets on the right side. The disciples have a huge haul of fish.

The Lord rewarded His disciples’ obedience. Obedience to the Lord is vitally important. ◦“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt 7:24). ◦“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (Jn 14:23).

How could the disciples’ obedience aid them as they dealt with death? ◦Doing what Jesus says here is going to demonstrate that He has really been raised from the dead. ◦If we obey, we can face death with complete confidence.  “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21).  “Having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb 5:9).

Step Three: Delight vv 7-8

John says, “It is the Lord!” Peter grabs his outer garments and jumps in the water.

Peter knows that death has been conquered. ◦“My heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption” (Acts 2:26-27). ◦The Resurrection of Jesus also serves as a basis for our rejoicing.  “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor 15:19).  1 Pet 1:3-6.

Step Four: Discernment vv 9-14

All of the disciples knew this was the Lord. Eating together was important in antiquity. ◦Matt 9:11 ◦1 Cor5:11. We will also have fellowship with the Lord after death. ◦“I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil 1:23). ◦After the final resurrection, “we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:17).

What a blessing! Do you have that hope?