What is the significance of 153 fish?

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The account is about Peter's reconciliation to Jesus. Jesus was about to ask Peter to be the doctrinal leader of the new church. [1]

Peter was not yet reconciled with Jesus.

1. This was the third time that Peter had seen Jesus since his resurrection. [2]
2. Peter had previously been a fisherman and was going back to his old life. [3]
3. He was leading 6 others (total 7) into the dark. [4] Seven representing 'all', he was leading all of the disciples into the dark.
4. He was fishing in the dark all night(requiring grace) [5]
5. Jesus had already told him that he should live in the light. [6] Living in the dark was a sign that he was returning to his old life.
6.At the first light, Jesus appears to them. This is reminiscent of the resurrection (a new beginning) [7]
7. Peter was naked (sin exposed) [8]
8. And fishing (making his livelihood) in the flesh [9]; on the left side [10] (in the flesh)

Peter begins his repentance by clothing himself and casting himself, like Jonah did, into the sea. [11] He is placing his judgement in God's hands.


Jesus begins the reconciliation with a meat offering, which is a fellowship offering. Jesus asks if they have meat. [12] He is offering reconciliation to Peter.:

1. Jesus had already prepared bread and fish before they had even returned to shore without their great catch. [13]
2. Bread and fish represent everything man needs to live in Christ.
2a. Bread represents the cross [14] and 'every word which proceeds from the mouth of God'. </ref>
2b. Man lives by the cross and every word which proceeds from the mouth of God. [15]
2c. Jesus fed the 4000, the 5000, and now the disciples on the shore, bread and fish.
2d. Fish represent 'every word which proceeds from the mouth of God'.
2e. Jesus did not wait for the catch to prepare the meal. The fish, the 'every word' that he fed them, came from him.
2f. The act of eating together is an act of forgiveness, because in that culture (even today) one does not eat with an enemy. The 23rd Psalm reflects the peace that God has caused between enemies. [16]

Jesus emphasizes Peter's role with a special miracle. The other six disciples could not pull in the catch of fish, but Peter did it single-handedly. [17] This was a reminder of the position Peter had before Christ, when he had previous experienced the special miracle of walking on water. [18] It reminded him that he could walk on water when he had his eyes on Jesus. [19]

He finishes the reconciliation with the dialog with Peter. Not only does he ask him if he loves Jesus, but Jesus indicates his trust in Peter, three times, to feed his sheep.

This was the third appearance of Jesus after the resurrection to the disciples. The first one he was heard, the second he was seen (examined his scars), and the third one he walked with Peter down the beach. This is the same hearing, seeing walking theme we see so often.

With that background we can see the 153 fish. Peter first had to be reconciled to Jesus before he could do the special miracle of teaching; feeding the lambs and sheep.

1. Peter could not even feed himself through his old occupation of fishing, but Jesus was asking him to feed his sheep. What would he feed them?
2. There were still 153 fish from the catch that had not been eaten. Jesus had provided the meal.
3. Previously we discerned that the fish represent 'every word which proceeds from the mouth of God.
4. Eating is a metaphor for learning. The clean animal ruminates (meditates) on teh word of God and it produces a separated/holy (split hoof) walk/life.
5. Peter would teach 'every word which proceeded from the mouth of God.

Why 153?

There are 144 (12 x 12) for the dual-natured 12, God's people in the flesh and spirit, and 9 (3 x 3) more for the dual-natured 'fullness of God incarnate'; Christ in flesh and spirit. The fellowship meal for the sheep would be enjoyed by Christ and his church together.

1. Paul teaches that marriage represents Christ and the church. [20]

2. Paul says that the woman should learn from her husband. [21]

3. Therefore Paul teaches that the church should learn from (eat with) Christ, and we receive 'every word which proceeds from the mouth of God'.

References

  1. ↑ Joh 21:15 ¶ ... Feed my lambs. Joh 21:16 ... Feed my sheep. Joh 21:17 ... Feed my sheep.
  2. ↑ Joh 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
  3. ↑ Mt 4:18 ¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  4. ↑ Joh 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
  5. ↑ Joh 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
  6. ↑ Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
  7. ↑ Joh 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
  8. ↑ Joh 21:7 ...Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher’s coat [unto him], (for he was naked,)
  9. ↑ Mt 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
  10. ↑ Joh 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. ...
  11. ↑ Joh 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher’s coat [unto him], (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
  12. ↑ Joh 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. {Children: or, Sirs}
  13. ↑ Joh 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
  14. ↑ Lu 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
  15. ↑ Mt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  16. ↑ Ps 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. {anointest: Heb. makest fat}
  17. ↑ Joh 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
  18. ↑ Mt 14:29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
  19. ↑ Mt 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. {boisterous: or, strong}
  20. ↑ Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
  21. ↑ 1Co 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
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