Comparing Two Mentions Of Nets

Q

What is the significance of the nets in in Luke 5:6 where it states that the nets began to break, compared to John 21:11 where it says that even with so many the net was not torn?

A

In Luke 5:6 Jesus was demonstrating His Deity to Peter. The men had been fishing all night without success. This represents them working in their own strength. But when they worked in the strength of the Lord there were so many fish they almost couldn’t handle them all. Based on that experience Peter, James, and John all became disciples and began fishing for men, and their “catch” was more than they could have ever imagined.

In John 21:11 we see the same sequence of events, this time after the resurrection . Once again the disciples were out all night and caught nothing. And once again when the Lord got involved they made a huge catch. In this case special mention is made of the fact that there were 153 fish. Scholars have come up with several explanations for this number, but all seem to agree that it’s meant to represent the Church. If so, the unbroken net is a confirmation that of all who come into the Church none will be lost.

John 6:38-40 says;

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”