!53 Fish
The meaning of this story is very prophetic for our day - that's why we put it in this prophetic section!
Our story really starts back when Jesus first met James, John, Peter, and Andrew mending their NETS (Mat. 4:18-22, Mk. 1:16-20). It is interesting to note that the earliest manuscripts use the word “epiphaino” instead of MENDING. This word means to “to shine upon, i.e. become visible or known, to appear as to give light.
These fishermen were MENDING nets beside the Lake of Gennesaret [geh NESS ah ray] (garden of riches) - the Greek form of the Hebrew name Chinnereth which meant “heart shaped” or the place of the heart. This was also known as the Sea of Galilee and named by the Romans as the Sea of Tiberias.
In the first century, nine cities (of 15,000 or more) thrived around this body of water (Tiberius, Bethsaida, and Capernaum being the most important cities). On and near this Sea of Gennesaret, Jesus performed 18 of His 33 recorded miracles. And, it was from here that He taught almost all of His teachings.
The author of our story was the fisherman John and his brother was James. Their mother was named Salome (she was one of the women who stood at the foot of cross). Their father’s name was Zebedee, and he owned a boat. After noticing their fiery zeal, Jesus calls them the Aramaic name of “BOANERGES " (Hebrew, bªneey regesh), which means “Sons of thunder." James later became the leading apostle in the church of Antioch. And, it was this John who also wrote the book of REVELATION.
After Jesus first met these four (James, John, Peter, Andrew), He got into their boat, and asked them to sail out a little ways from the land. Jesus stood in the boat on the lake and spoke to the multitudes (water helps to project sound). When He finished talking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Simon told Jesus how they had fished all night and caught nothing. But, after Jesus joined them, their nets filled until they BROKE and the ship nearly capsized (Lk. 5:4).
When Simon Peter saw what had happened, he fell down at Jesus' knees. It was here that Jesus initially explained the spiritual MEANING of catching FISH, "Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch MEN." After this, these four brought their boats to land, deciding to forsake all and follow Him. (follow = epikeimai "to stretch oneself forward upon, to press upon." See also Luke 5:1).
In John 21, we find a sequential follow up to these stories about fishing. The significant difference is that Jesus has now risen from the dead. Here was Jesus Christ fully risen from the tomb and resurrected by the power of God. All their sins had now been paid for. Surely, none of those apostles could have a doubt about who He was. After all, Jesus had personally appeared to them twice before -- He had breathed on them to receive Holy Spirit. He had revealed Himself to them and they watched as Thomas put his hands upon Him. Now…. here was the 3rd time Jesus showed himself to these apostles.
The story in John 21 is the final REVELATION of Jesus and His purposes BEFORE His ASCENSION. That morning, on the Lake of Tiberias, the seven dejected apostles met. Only five of them only are named (Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathaniel, and the two sons of Zebedee, who were James and John). It was Peter who first decided to return to his old ways and go a fishing (Jn. 21:1-3).
These were STRONG MEN who were TRAINED TO FISH. They knew where to find the catch. Their intuition could sense the location of fish. Yet they could find none. These were 7 (the number of completion) out of the remaining (11) disciples chosen by God to be a part of this miracle! (Noah also had 7 to help him. His wife, 3 sons and their wives all helped to gather animals into the arc.)
These 7 were apostles. This particular incident was intended only for 7 (fullness) apostles (leaders), and not for the multitudes. Remember that these men already had first hand knowledge that Jesus had been raised from the dead. But the fact of that resurrection didn’t DO anything for them. This continued to toil in their own strength without accessing the power that was theirs. Just like most of today’s believers, they sat in their boat (old church paradigm) discouraged and powerless. They were unchanged in their expectation. And, they certainly weren’t walking in victory and power.
Because Peter voiced his frustration, it triggered the same response in others. The rest of the disciples agreed with Peter, "Yeah. We’re goin’ with ya!" All (7) get in the boat and try to think about something different than their current dilemma.
* The boat is the mode of transportation of commerce (trade) upon the sea (carnal church). The boat = the pride of the current carnal system (Is. 43:14) that cannot withstand the heavy load of harvest. The present day church is not ready for the weight.
* THESE APOSTLES FAILED TO ACCESS THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION that was available to them. They had no MEAT (no food, no sustenance) beyond their own carnal strength.
They quickly RETURNED to their old ways (go a-fishing). Old habits and old associations returned speedily. On that clear night they sailed upon the Lake, only to catch nothing. In their own personal darkness and ignorance, they made the wrong choice of returning to the past. They did not walk as apostles any longer. They labored under their own personal effort and strength.
* Did they remember the former time of great fishing, when they (James and John, and Peter and Andrew) were first called to Follow Him?
Seven is the number of COMPLETENESS. The 7 DISCIPLES represent the (apostolic) leaders that have LABORED THROUGH THE NIGHT with no significant results. They had been given true authority, but failed to access it. We may well ask, WHERE are our true leaders? Where are the gate keepers? Where are today’s mentors.
It is obvious that these lifelong trained fishermen had caught fish in the dark before, or they would not have tried it this time. HOWEVER, it illustrates to us that often PREVIOUS METHODS don’t work anymore. Many leaders are in despair and have left to go back to their former lives. I think we can all agree that for us, old ways are just not working anymore. We try the same old routines – and nothing happens! Thank God, the dawn is finally coming. And, it’s time to LABOR AT DAY > and catch the revelation. This demands an essential CHANGE in methodology in our ways of outreach (and everything else).
Finally, the night OF "catching nothing" disappeared and the early light intensified as the long shadows shortened upon the pebbly 'beach.' It was morning and the beginning of a NEW DAY (3rd revelation of Christ, vs. 4). The risen Jesus stood there on the shore! (How long had He been watching?) Although these apostles had seen the Resurrected Jesus twice before, they did not even recognize Him. We must wonder if we recognize Him today? Or are we missing His appearing even this moment?
Night revealed their undealt with soul realm issues. The moon enabled them to walk in their own strength in darkness. But, the daylight will soon come and the moon will be turned to blood (life).
Day = when the revelation and mystery of Christ is comprehended and incorporated.
HIS WORDS:
His Words were intended to bring them into resurrection knowledge. “Children, have you any MEAT?" (vs. 5). This phrase about “meat” (prosphagion) translates, “Do you have ANYTHING BESIDES BREAD?” Do you have anything that will sustain you. You cannot live by bread alone (Mt. 4:4). Listen, we don’t need even one more grandiose personal prophecy. Not another screaming sermon. Do you have SOMETHING TO LIVE BY? Do you have any SUSTINANCE? (They should have remembered what Jesus meant by that. He had recently told them (at the place where Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well) that His MEAT WAS TO DO THE FATHER’S WILL, Jn. 4:34).
* The 1st time the risen Christ appeared to the apostles. (Luke 24:36-43) they were frightened. Jesus let them see His wounded hands and feet. They still didn’t believe. Then, He said a similar thing to them (vs. 41), "Have you any MEAT here?" MEAT is the spiritual substance that takes away fear. The meat of the Word (Heb. 5:14) gives depth and staying power. Jesus ate their fish and honey in order to show them the reality of His resurrection.
* MEAT = the reason why YOU CAST YOUR NET. We need "meat" today. MEAT TO PRESS IN BEYOND THIS PRESENT STATE of INNEFECTIVNESS and into the place of true POWER.
With great discouragement, they put back their empty net into the ship. They had fished with their own strength – toiling all night. Their corporate voice declared that they hadn’t caught a thing. They answered Him, “No."
All these years, we have been casting our net upon the sea with no results. Many of us have toiled for a long time (the Jewish day begins in the evening). We could not see. Many of us have LABORED through the NIGHT -- and found virtually NOTHING. We’ve watched church leaders preach about the resurrection and continue to live personally consumed by walking in temporal livelihood.
But Jesus stood on the shore that was ‘raised above’ the water! He stood CO-EXISTING, as it were, in heaven on the earth! From there, He spoke a declarative command, “CAST (ballo, “to throw, hurl as far as possible) the net in on the RIGHT (the starboard) side” (vs. 6).’ The seven disciples obeyed without question.
What’s wrong with our ship (present day church problem)? Most of that moonlight preaching and spitting has proven to be just another unsuccessful human effort. And it’s because we’ve just been PREACHING OUT OF WRONG SIDE OF BOAT! We’ve been "casting" our human efforts on the wrong side, rather than hearing the directive of the Lord.
Dearly beloved, it is time to cast the net on the right side of this ship. Just begin to do it the RIGHT way. The net is in our hands. Nothing is wrong with the net (Kingdom). We just have to cast it on the right side of the ship.
* There’s a RIGHT side of this ship. (Strongs defines “dexios” as the right or (feminine) hand -- the hand that which usually takes.) The right side is that which takes their inheritance.
* James and John (two of the 7 in this story) had recently asked Jesus if they could SIT AT His right hand (Mk. 10:37).
* We are SEATED with Christ ON THE RIGHT SIDE (Heb. 8:1, 10, 12). We have been given the RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP (Gal. 2:9). It is the right hand that can cause offence to you (Mat. 5:29-30). The right side indicates FAVOR. The SHEEP are ON RIGHT HAND GOATS ON LEFT (Mt. 25:53). The RIGHT side is the place of honor. Heb 1:13 "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool" Jesus holds 7 angels in His right hand (Rev. 1:16). Benjamin means son of my right hand. The seven sealed book in the right hand. Etc,
We could go on and on examining the significance of the RIGHT side, but by now you should see the importance of their casting the "net" SELECTIVELY to a certain place under Jesus' supervision.
There’s a RIGHT side of this ship. (Strongs defines “dexios” as the right or (feminine) hand -- the hand that which usually takes.) The right side is that which takes their inheritance.
* James and John (two of the 7 in this story) had recently asked Jesus if they could SIT AT His right hand (Mk. 10:37).
* We are SEATED with Christ ON THE RIGHT SIDE (Heb. 8:1, 10, 12). We have been given the RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP (Gal. 2:9). It is the right hand that can cause offence to you (Mat. 5:29-30). The right side indicates FAVOR. The SHEEP are ON RIGHT HAND GOATS ON LEFT (Mt. 25:53). The RIGHT side is the place of honor. Heb 1:13 "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool" Jesus holds 7 angels in His right hand (Rev. 1:16). Benjamin means son of my right hand. The seven sealed book in the right hand. Etc,
We could go on and on examining the significance of the RIGHT side, but by now you should see the importance of their casting the "net" SELECTIVELY to a certain place under Jesus' supervision.
So they cast the net out and could not draw it back because of the multitude of fish. Think of it! Out of all the fish in that great sea, exactly 153 fish responded to HIS VOICE (vs.11). They were not told to catch ALL the fish in the sea – but certain “CALLED OUT” elect ones. To find those CERTAIN fish, it mattered WHICH side of the boat they cast from. It must be noted that they had to cast on the RIGHT SIDE to catch a CERTAIN 153 fish. Jesus didn’t call out to even TRY to catch ALL the fish (men) in the great lake. He ONLY wanted these 153! Perhaps they were those who the Lord foreknew and predestined -- SOMEHOW. Whatever this means for sure, we are certain that God will summons those that come. The effect was that these fish swam into the net and irreversibly laid down their lives for the Kingdom.
Simon had entered into denial. He not only returned to his past occupation, but he is fishing without clothes. Jesus caught Simon unaware of his nakedness. It sounds much like the story of Adam. The sound of God’s voice preceded the awareness that Adam was naked. God spoke to Adam and the woman so that they could comprehend, perceive, and give accountability. This first couple lost their creative dominion authority hid themselves in fear knowing that they had fallen into a degenerated state (Gen. 3:10).
Simon lost his authority and decided to hide upon his little boat. Upon recognizing the voice of Jesus, Simon quickly grabbed his fisher’s coat (hiding his ‘guilty-conscience’ – like the fig leaf?) and quickly covered his flesh! Then he jumped into the cool waters of the sea from the LEFT side of the boat (vs. 7). P
eter represents the present day ministers. He walked away from his apostolic authority and he fished without clothing. He went back to living without Kingdom influence or power – that had already been given to him! There was no atmosphere change. He was naked and without the GLORY. He had no victory because he was still a victim. He had not accessed his INHERITANCES. He was not yet walking in the LIKENESS of Christ. But, at least he started swimming for shore.
Are you still working naked? When does the corruptible put on incorruption (1 Cor. 15:54)? When it was the time for figs, the fig tree looked like fruitful – but there were no figs (Mk. 11:21). Or do you have a robe? Remember the story about how one man got all the way into wedding party and didn’t get to stay because he didn’t have on the right garment! (Mat. 22:11 - 21) The right garment gives us the only legal right to the wedding (Is. 61:10). What is the depth of your identification? Are you planning to attend the wedding? Are you content to be the guest? The friend of the Bridegroom? Or the BRIDE? Does your robe of righteousness reveal your Christ-likeness as the Bride-hood company?
200
The entire 153 fish are caught by our SEVEN apostles who were in ONE little boat (they all leave in the same ONE, vs. 3). Verse 8 says the OTHER DISCIPLES (probably the other 4 of the remaining apostles) came along also in ANOTHER LITTLE boat. These “other disciples” stayed in the boat 200 cubits from the shore (vs. 8) dragging their net with fish. .
* Some of the present church leaders will be at the sidelines. The number ‘200’ in scripture is said by some to represent “insufficient with what you have.” Truly without responding fully to the pertinent NOW WORD from the LORD, some also suffer from insufficiency and they won’t be the ones who drag the HARVEST out of the sea. They won’t be those who stand beside Him on the higher shore of the “garden of riches” there in the blessings of the heart.
Jesus told them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." Simon Peter dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, :the net was not broken” (vs. 10). (Please note that this time the apostles didn’t put the ‘153’ fish into their ship and sink it – like what almost happened the last time, Lk. 5:6)!!! This time, Simon drug these fish to the HIGHER GROUND where Christ stood. And the net did not break.
The story is about 153 FISH BECAUSE Jesus WANTED TO EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO US. We’ll talk about that later in this article.
UNITY:
The 153 come into the net by laying down their individual preferences and identity and coming into the net Kingdom which brings them into HIGHER DIMENSIONS of the “garden of riches” and the “place of the heart” (Gennesaret). This can only happen when human effort ceases and they come into the morning of God’s light and work from the ‘right’ side of the boat. This NET (the revelation of the Kingdom of God) causes the 153 to become ONE (John 17:21). The ELECT company. They have each died to their private ambitions, contrary will, and sel-FISH lives (Rev. 11:8). And the dead IN CHRIST will hereafter rise up first!" (I Thess. 4:16, EGT). SEL-FISH!!!!! The sel-fish nature is dead at last and reckoned finished. This grand process of the ‘KINDOM net ministry’ brings the reality of the corporate nature of ONENESS. “
THE THIRD APPEARANCE
We mentioned a few times that this is the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead (vs. 14). And this was also the 3rd TIME that Jesus asked Peter to follow Him.
Jesus moves in this 3rd Day to bring us a personal encounter of His resurrection. That’s actualizing Christ in us (Col. 1:27). As most of us know, the number 3 is closely linked with the life of Christ and that number corresponds to things of a spiritual nature.
* This story tells about the 3rd time Jesus appeared to his disciples since he rose from the grave. (Jn. 21:2).
* The Godhead is made up of 3 beings
* Jesus lived about 33 years .... some say 33.33
* His earthly ministry was just about 3 years in length.
* Jesus rose from the grave on the 3rd. day
* Jesus prayed 3 times in the garden
* Jesus was crucified on the 3rd hour
* On the cross 6 hours... 2x3
* There were 3 hours of darkness – (from the 6th hour of the day to the 9th hour).
* Jesus died about the ninth hour of the day.... 3x3
* A total of 3 were crucified
* You probably know many more to add to this list.
It is also the third time Jesus reveals Himself to us in a personal encounter. Each of us have probably met the resurrected Christ when we were born again. (our Passover experience – the Outer Court). We met Him again in our ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’(Pentecost – the Holy Place), and now we come into this third feast of Tabernacles (The Holy of Holies). This feast represents the fullness of the Spirit and the harvest of the mature Seed where Christ sown in OUR earth comes forth after its kind (Mat. 13:13).
On this 3rd Day, the Lord calls for us to ascend to HIGHER GROUND, the garden of His riches and the heart of His blessings. Will you stop toiling in your own strength and begin to access the realm of resurrection? The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead can and will quicken your mortal body (Rom. 8:11). Will you come out of your own strength and bring about the purpose and destiny of God?
"CATCH 153"
153 FISH = those in the carnal system waiting to be fully redeemed. (Mk 1:17, Lk. 5:6).
The “heart” of the carnal church is the SEA (Hab. 13:1, Rev. 13:1) this is the PLACE OF NET CASTING. Out of all the ‘Christian fish’ in the carnal church (sea), 153 Sons of God hear the words of Jesus at that specific moment. Jesus calls us for the present day church to hear and respond as that grand harvest and become the Grown Up Sons of God. Those righteously leading today must bring fish into the fullness of the Kingdom.
It’s unlikely that this number of 153 is a mere coincidence. It is also unlikely that these fishermen were in the habit of counting their catch. However, 153 has tremendous importance. Keep in mind that Jesus ministered entirely concerning the Kingdom of Heaven/God.
One thing we must keep in mind is that for every Hebrew letter or word there was a numerical equivalent. A=1, B =2, etc. For our purposes, let’s consider the Hebrew phrase Beni Ha-Elohim (meaning the SONS OF GOD) which has the numeric value of 153. This phrase occurs a total of seven times in Scripture. The sons of God are called peacemakers (Matt 5:9-10), the sons of God are let by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:13-14), all creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19-20), for we are sons of God through faith in Jesus (Gal 3:26-27, etc.).
Many sense that even now the earth groans in the earnest expectation for the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom 8:19-20). This idea has been mis-taught for so long that we are hesitant to reconsider the truth – that the whole earth is waiting… The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next (8:19, MSG).
153 = the removal of the mature sons from out of the sea of humanity and the carnal church systems and onto the EARTH. Some have previously described this event as the “rapture.” Now, we see that it could well represent the EMERGENCE of the BRIDE.
The fish are LARGE. This means they are fully-grown. This could indicate that this group of 153rd is mature adults, grown up sons (the MANCHILD, the OVERCOMERS). This could also be why Jesus may have known the generation of His return, but not exactly when the Body would grow up.
The Hebrew apostles who were there with Jesus fully understood the significance of the fish miracle. Hebrew scholars describe this as a veiled allusion (commonly known as "remez") which referred to a well know text which concerned backsliding Israel. Jeremiah 16:14-19 "Behold, I will send forth many fishermen," says the LORD, "and they shall fish them… from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face…"
Therefore, we understand that on this day Jesus was not teaching them how to be better fishermen; and they knew that also. He was teaching them how to CATCH HUMANS AND TURN THESE BELOVED people OF GOD BACK TO HIM.
WHY THE EXACT NUMBER OF FISH....153?
153 fish = TOTALITY OF THOSE BROUGHT INTO KINGDOM.
A Christian army officer, named Lt. Col. R. Roberts, made a statement about the 153 fish more than a century ago. He claimed that the Gospels recorded precisely 153 individuals who had specific encounters with the Lord Jesus. Many have studied the unusual properties to the number 153.
Jesus lived for 12,240 days (33.53 years) which equals 80 x 153.
Jesus ministered for 918 days which equals 6 x 153.
Another theory is calculated from the observation that Jesus was the 77th generation from Adam. Now, let’s subtract 77 from 153. 153 - 77 = 76. This number (153) could symbolize that Jesus came after the 1st 76 generations of man and will return IN US after the following 76th. His return will be fully visible in the 77th.
Also note that 1 and 5 and 3 are the degrees in a scale used to make a chord
THE NET is the KINGDOM OF GOD:
Previously, Jesus told His closest disciples (after having addressed thousands by the Sea of Galilee) this vital key, "The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A NET which was thrown into the sea and gathered FISH … when it was full, MEN DREW it ashore… So it will be at the CLOSE OF THE AGE. The angels will … throw them into the furnace of FIRE…" (Mat. 13:47-50). Maybe we should read that verse again and remember how Jesus stood by the fire and cooked a fish when the disciples came ashore. The Father’s will is to haul the catch to shore.
We see that the apostles had to forsake their OWN "nets" and their old ways of doing things and take up the NET of the Kingdom and follow Him. THE FORERUNNER COMPANY (7) MUST CAST the Kingdom NET TO RIGHT SIDE in order TO GATHER IN THIS HOUR. This company must lay down their previous preferences for the sake of the harvest and PULL the fish to the shore of HIGHER GROUND.
This NET will not be broken. It (the net of the Kingdom of God) holds 153 fish (the sons of God) who have TRULY sacrificed their lives. These 153 mature fish had never been caught by the other nets of long-established and time-honored tradition and bondage. They immediately responded to the VOICE that called them into the Kingdom NET and they fully embraced that destiny.
PETER’S CHARGE & RETURN to MINISTRY:
Simon remembered his boisterous statement to the Lord before the Crucifixion, "I'll even die for you." Now, he was discouraged because of his THREE denials. After coming to shore, the first thing Peter saw was the fire. His betrayal had been at the fire. The Perfect Friend subtly took Peter back to where his denials occurred and where his personal ministry fire was extinguished. The lesson here is that even if we have failed God, it’s time to get back in at the very place we left!
After they had eaten, and were filled, Jesus made table-talk to Simon (see 1 Peter 5:4). Here, the Lord tutors and trains him for the next stage of his ministry.
He called him “Simon -- to remind him of the fact that he had gone backwards to
where they had first met (when he was a fisherman) -- not Cephas Peter – the apostolic name that gave strength, “Simon, do you love (agapao) me more that these (pleion touton, other disciples, even Andrew your brother)?”
* “For the LORD your God proveth [NKJV: is testing] you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 13:1). It’s still the same. Nothing else is more important than our love (agape) for God and one another.
* Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock…to feed the church of God …” Here’s the same charge to guard ourselves as well as God’s flock.
Is it odd that Jesus already has fish on the fire before any were brought to shore?
That bright day a total of eight dined together (Jesus + 7 apostles, vs. 12) . 8 = a new beginning (8) manifesting resurrection life in the lives of the apostolic leadership. Here at the beginning of a “new Day” comes the forerunners eating MEAT. That MEAT is DOING the purposes of God -- which is to bring forth the 153 FISH COMPANY OF SONS!
DO YOU LOVE ME?
Observe the intricacies as Simon was FED the TRUTH about LOVE by JESUS before he could FEED" the "little lambs and sheep." In like manner, we must be eat this same MEAT before we can accomplish the next assignment.
“Lovest (agapao) thou me?” Jesus asked. “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo, have a friendly affection for) You." Jesus stretches Simon’s understanding of this dimensions of love.
* Phileo love is the love of tender fondness and deep feelings within the soul. It is called brotherly love, like a love between family members.
* Agape love is a love that is a choice; we simply choose to love apart from of feelings, in spite of the consequences. It is the God-kind of sacrificial love that is willing to die – not just for a friend but even for enemies. Now that Jesus was about to leave them, He wanted to emphasize the one thing that would bond them together and keep them focused on the task. Agape LOVE is the love that mature believers must have for God and one another.
Jesus administers soul realm healing and then says to Simon, "Feed (bosco, pasture, nourish, and bottle feed my (new born) lambs)." The response of LOVE does that.
“Jesus said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agapao, love with no expectation of return) Me?" (vs. 16)
Peter answered, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You." He said to him, "Tend (poimaino, tend as a shepherd, guard, and pastor) My sheep (probaton, one that can walk forward). In other words, “Bring My sheep to maturity.”
Jesus asked Peter the THIRD TIME (also the number of betrayals), "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileo, love as a friend or out of obligation of duty) Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love (this time He used phileo and not agape) Me?" And Peter said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You." Jesus said to him, "Feed (bosco, pasture) My sheep (probaton, those that walk as grown ups).
For Simon, the "KEYS" (to the kingdom...Matthew 16:17-19) was to "FEED" Jesus' OTHER SHEEP (these 153)!!!!!!! Peter was trained to nurture the church as it matures: Do you love me? Feed my lambs. Do you love me? (The need to love Jesus is the prerequisite to being a shepherd.) If we love the Lord, we will tend His flock to adulthood. “Then (if we truly love Him) we can follow (closely). Peter’s only responsibility was to FOLLOW closely.
DEATH to the OLD WAY:
Jesus then spoke about the kind of death Simon would have (vs. 19). Certainly Simon Peter (old ways of leadership) is now old and being taken wherever he does not want to go (vs. 18).
Today, the existing carnal church wobbles under religious vacillation. The church has embraced naked leaders who do not take on the ideals and values of Christ. Many leaders have been validated because of their ultra hype that was interpreted as “the anointing” rather than because of their treasured Godly character. Carnal preachers consumed with worldly pleasures talk a lot about “love” but they do not model Godly character, morality, and Truth toward the Lord.
Please read what happened next: John 21:18-19 “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And … He said to him, "Follow Me." Then Peter, TURNING AROUND, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following… "But Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? YOU FOLLOW ME."
At that point – Jesus summed it all up by saying, “FOLLOW ME.” BUT… notice what happened next. Simon didn’t follow, he TURNED and was concerned about the future of John. “What about him?” This shows us the death that must happen in Simon. He has not yet died to His carnal issues. Simon needed to look only at Jesus. And Christ must appear IN SIMON.
Remember that John was on one who wrote this story -- and he frequently referred to himself as the “one Jesus loved.” John discerned the miraculous consequences of the decisive Word spoken from the shore. He recognized the authority of the Words and he was the one who declared that it was Jesus (vs. 7). John is a type of apostolic leader who has already encountered the fullness of God’s love does not have to clamor for more. His casual and laid-back attitude (as the favorite son) had no jealousy as he watched the others come into full understanding of God’s love. JOHN hauled fish ashore just like the others – but he did it in rest.
And John was also was given his life’s assignment – and possibly allowed to 'tarry' until (or as) He comes (erchomai, vs. 22). John is the type of true minister who tarries (waits expectantly) UNTIL CHRIST COMES in others. John may well be the one who helped Simon get dressed (changed) and who ushered him into the new dimensions (“another will gird you and carry you, vs. 19). This decrepit death of old Simon leadership gives way to the redeemed leadership of PETER who clothes himself/herself afresh in his apostolic authority. This Peter (rock) eagerly swims through the sea of the carnal human church and comes bringing the treasure of mature sons. This Peter is fed the wedding supper and filled with sustenance of MEAT. He feeds the flock of God. This Peter gives an oath of the God kind of agape LOVE three times – and this PETER doesn’t turn away.
It is the MORNING OF THE NEW DAY.
Leaders, IT’S TIME TO AWAKEN FROM ENDLESS UNSUCCESSFUL MINISTRY. For too long we’ve had this all too familiar “younger broth mentality” (Lk. 15:22). Many of us were greatly loved but ran away prematurely into the city – not mature enough to handle the job. We left without obtaining the fullness of our inheritance. We’ve squandered the promises. Believers who have not accessed the Kingdom now find themselves in the pigpen eating the abysmal food of pigs and hogs and living in squalor. It’s time to shake ourselves. Rise and repent for The KINGDOM of God is at hand (Mt. 3:2, 4:17, Mk. 1:15).
Even the seven leaders had to learn to RECOGNIZE Jesus. And think about it, if they didn’t recognize Him after three appearances, how easily can we miss His next appearance? What are we expecting? Surely the light of the DAYSTAR is dawning in our heart (2 Pt. 1:19).
Morning = the end of the "Church Age" and the beginning of the age of the 153 HARVESTED. The morning of the 3rd Day.
THE ASSIGNMENT:
By passing through our firm hands (5-fold ministries haul the NET), these 153 are brought to maturity and the full stature of Christ (Eph. 4). The process continues until we can haul this entire harvest to HIGHER GROUND. The work of leadership is to bring into view the INCOMING HARVEST.
The 7 apostles represent the fullness of leadership (Eph. 4:11) who gather the harvest. Every "TRUMPET" (7) is spiritually an "appearing" of Jesus IN US today. The 7th sound blasts the beginning of the great gathering.
The COMPLETENESS of the 7’s is essential before the NET can be fully hauled. They are the ones charged with enabling, teaching, and maturing believers until THE LORD BEGINS TO APPEAR IN A BODY LIKE HIM. THE SPIRITUAL BODY OF CHIRST MUST COME FORTH and BE BROUGHT to shore (APPEAR ON THE HIGHER DIMENSION) in order TO MANIFEST the hidden mystery (153) that CHRIST is IN THEM and they are the SONS OF GOD and the HOPE OF GLORY.
It is the purpose of God that leaders (the completed 7) hear His voice calling forth His ultimate purpose which is to have a corporate yield of manifold mature sons emerging onto God’s level and re-presenting the image of THE SEED. Oh, may we have ears to hear!
This First Fruit Company must immediately position to bring the awaiting multitude (153 mature sons of God) as the next part of God’s end time plan. It is not a literal number but the principle of full redemption.
153 = the infinite perfection of His completed Body.
The Geometry of 153:
In early times, people thought of numbers differently than we do in modern times. 153 was called a "triangular" number. These people used numbers to form shapes or patterns. In the letter/number significance of Hebrew, the "one" means "I", the "five" means "am", and the "three" means "God". Jesus was saying, "I Am God." What an impact! Add the digits of 153: 1+5+3= 9 which is 3x3 or 3 sets of 3. There are 9 fruits of the Spirit.
The cube (the number x 3) of each digit in 153 adds up to 153. This is the only number in our entire numbering system that will do that! (1x1x1) + (5x5x5) + (3x3x3) = 153
The number 153 can be found in any "third" number in the entire numbering system. Take any combination of any 3rd. number.. 3,6,9,12,15,18....etc. (or any number divisible by 3), and calculate the sum of the cube of the digits. As you reduce your calculations to the lowest form, the final answer will always be 153. For example, look at the number 27: (2x2x2) + (7x7x7) = 8 + 343 = 351. Now, do the calculation again. 351 (3x3x3) + (5x5x5) + (1x1x1) = 27 + 125 + 1 = 153. The reduced final answer will always be 153!
Now what could all this mean? Jesus told them how to catch 153 fish. 153 can be found in any 3rd number in the entire numbering system. As we mentioned before, the number 3 typifies spiritual things.
Prime numbers are numbers which have no factor except "1". For example: Prime numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13,17, etc.
Notice also that 153 is the sum of ALL the numbers contained in 17, 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13+14+15+16+17=153
Looking back at prime #, we see that 17 is the SEVENTH PRIME NUMBER. We need to know its spiritual symbolism if we are to understand the number 153.
There were 7 disciples in the boat. 17 is the 7th prime number.
153 is also the product of 17x9 (or 3x3) =153
In ancient languages, the number 17 was called "seven-ten." Seven of course has multiple meanings. For example, 7 symbolizes COMPLETENESS, the renewed SPIRIT of man, and it also has to do with the eternal SPIRITUAL DIMENSION.1 It was said in ancient times that when someone experienced salvation (known then as spiritual resurrection), they had SEVENED.
17 is the number of RESURRECTION.
153 has to do with a number which contains all the FACTORS of 17 (RESURRECTION).
We mentioned earlier that the Hebrew phrase “Sons of God” was 153.
That’s the 17 numbers
1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13+14+15+16+17= adding up to 153
The number 17 has to do with the ELECT “sons of God” experiencing COMPLETE RESURRECTION of the body, soul, and spirit. It isn’t the number of those who start but fail to finish the course, but for the ELECT that stay and overcome. 17 is ONLY experienced by God's ELECT. Therefore, the numbers CONTAINED in the number "17" (when added all together) could represent ALL OF GOD'S CHOSEN!
153 = GOD'S ELECT (sons) of this HARVEST. These are essentially those STILL remaining in the "sea" of old church systems at the time of the gathering. They will become ELECT.
The sons of God (153) exhibit resurrection (17) LIFE.
Jesus was raised from the day on the 17th day of Nissan.
Therefore, the NUMBER 153 contains all the factors of 17 (resurrection); it pictures ALL ELECT PEOPLE who will be included in this GATHERING HARVEST.
JUBILEES:
The meaning of the 153 fish may also concern Jubilees (or 7 x 7 years). According to the Jewish calendar, there were 153 Jubilees from the fall (dated by them as 3761 BC), until Jesus APPEARED (when He was 12 years old) at the temple for Passover. We’re taking about the dawning of the new age. Jesus appears as the CENTER timepiece. 77 Jubilees from the first creation and again 77 Jubilees forward.
Beloved leaders, this is the day and the hour to clothe ourselves in readiness and swim to the shore of the Garden of riches which is in the heart of God. We are to bring with us the harvest of believers that will come forth full grown. The message waiting for us is to LOVE and to FOLLOW.
NOTE:
The Lord God brought Ezekiel to the river bank and said, "Son of man, have you seen this?" He saw a river lined with tress on both sides. … flowing from the Sanctuary into the SEA, “And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. 10 It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many… Ezk. 47:6-12 NKJV)
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