Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus had bidden them follow Him. They remembered how, at His command, they had launched out into the deep, and had let down their net, and the catch had been so abundant as to fill the net, even to breaking. Then Jesus had called them to leave their fishing boats, and had promised to make them 811 fishers of men. It was to bring this scene to their minds, and to deepen its impression, that He had again performed the miracle. His act was a renewal of the commission to the disciples. It showed them that the death of their Master had not lessened their obligation to do the work He had assigned them. Though they were to be deprived of His personal companionship, and of the means of support by their former employment, the risen Saviour would still have a care for them. While they were doing His work, He would provide for their needs. And Jesus had a purpose in bidding them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He stood upon the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored in connection with Him,--His divine power combining with their human effort,--they could not fail of success.

De huskede så levende, da Jesus ved søen havde budt dem følge sig. De mindedes, hvordan de på hans befaling var draget ud på søen og havde kastet deres garn ud, og fangsten havde været så overvældende stor, at den fyldte garnene til bristepunktet. Derefter havde Jesus kaldet dem til at forlade deres fiskerbåde og havde lovet dem, at de skulle blive menneskefiskere. Det var for at få dem til at erindre denne oplevelse og for at forstærke indtrykket af den, at han atter gjorde dette under. Hans handling var en fornyelse af det hverv, han havde givet sine disciple. Det viste dem, at deres Mesters død ikke havde gjort deres forpligtelse mindre til at udrette det arbejde, han havde bestemt for dem. Skønt de skulle undvære det personlige fællesskab med ham og midlet til underhold ved deres tidligere beskæftigelse, så ville den opstandene Frelser stadig sørge for deres fornødenheder. Jesus havde også en bestemt hensigt med at byde dem kaste garnet ud på den højre side af skibet. Til den side stod han selv på strandbredden. Det var troens side. Hvis de arbejdede i fællesskab med ham, så hans guddomskraft forenede sig med deres menneskelige bestræbelser så ville deres gerning lykkes for dem.