Jesus' Thirteenth Appearance 

Jesus had earlier made his eleventh appearance to the apostles on Saturday, April 15 at Elijah Mark’s home in Jerusalem. He instructed them to go to Galilee and they subsequently left early Monday morning, April 17. Elijah and Mary Mark’s son, John Mark, followed them at a distance. Once they left Bethany and were far enough that he didn’t feel they would send him back, John came up to them and walked alongside. The apostles paused on the way to tell the story of the risen Master. They didn’t arrive until very late on Wednesday night, April 19, at Bethsaida.

When the eleven apostles arrived at Bethsaida, ten apostles stayed at the Zebedee home but Simon Zelotes had become increasingly disheartened as they drew near Galilee and he abandoned his fellow apostles and returned to his home just as they arrived. The apostles, after waking up at noon on Thursday, spent the afternoon and early evening waiting for Jesus' promised arrival. When Peter suggested they go fishing, the other nine apostles joined in.

Thursday night, the apostles had no luck in their fishing endeavors; the nets were empty. They didn’t mind, however, as talking over recent events with the risen Jesus made the time go quickly. At daylight on Friday, they headed back to the shoreline at Bethsaida and noticed someone on the beach by the boat landing and standing by a fire. At first, they thought it was John Mark, who had come down to welcome them back. As they drew nearer the shore, they saw they were mistaken – the man was too tall for John – and concluded it was someone they did not know.

The apostles dropped anchor to get into the rowboat to go to shore. The man on the beach inquired if they had caught anything. They replied that they had not. The man instructed them to cast out their nets on the right side of the boat to find fish. So, they did, and their nets filled to breaking. John Zebedee quickly pieced it together. He leaned over to Peter and whispered, "It is the Master." So, Peter, combining thoughtless action with rash devotion, jumped into the water to be the first to reach the shore. His fellows came up close behind him hauling the fish in.

Jesus had told the apostles to go to Galilee and he would meet them. He fulfilled that promise. In peaceful Galilee, in familiar settings, the Master waited on the beach as the apostles came ashore.

John Mark had woken up, and seeing the apostles coming onto land with a net full of fish, he ran down to greet them. When John counted eleven men, he surmised it was Jesus. As the ten stood by in silence, the youth rushed up and kneeling at Jesus’ feet exclaimed, "My Lord and my Master." Jesus addressed him informally: "Well, John, I am glad to see you again and in carefree Galilee, where we can have a good visit. Stay with us, John, and have breakfast." As Jesus spoke with the young man, the ten were so taken aback and surprised that they forgot the fish that they left on the beach. Jesus told them to bring in their fish and prepare some for breakfast.

After landing their catch, they counted 153 large fish. Again the mistake was made of calling this a miraculous catch of fish. No miracle occurred in this episode. The Master was just using his knowledge of where the fish were in the body of water.

The fish were prepared for breakfast and when all had been served and they were eating, Jesus recounted the many times they were together in Galilee and by this very lake.

Jesus visited with the apostles and John Mark for over an hour. He then walked up and down the beach, taking two apostles with him at a time and providing personalized teachings to each.

After their morning meal, as the others lingered by the fire, Jesus invited Peter and John to join him for a walk first along the beach. He engaged John with a heartfelt question, "John, do you love me?" Upon receiving John's earnest reply, Jesus encouraged him to abandon intolerance and embrace a life devoted to love – the kind of love that propels the search for salvation and embodies the essence of spiritual goodness and beauty.

Turning his attention to Peter, Jesus posed a similar query, "Peter, do you love me?" Peter's affirmative response prompted Jesus to instruct him on the importance of nurturing the young, the weak, and the poor. He emphasized a life of service, forgiveness, and the practice of reflecting deeply on one's experiences.

As they continued their walk, Jesus reiterated his question to Peter, delving deeper into the responsibilities of a true shepherd. He emphasized vigilance, the importance of guarding the flock against adversity, and the necessity of unwavering faith and love, mirroring Jesus's own devotion to humanity's welfare. Jesus addressed a potential misunderstanding by Peter about following him and clarified that each disciple had their own path, encouraging a focus on personal faithfulness over concern for others' roles.

To Andrew and James, Jesus stressed the importance of mutual trust among disciples, particularly in challenging times. He reminded Andrew of his once-held leadership role, now urging him to place trust in others. To James, he highlighted the virtues of patience and kindness, essential for sustaining faith and leading a tranquil spirit.

In discussions with Thomas and Nathaniel, Jesus focused on the service to others as the embodiment of his teachings, encouraging Thomas to overcome doubt with faith and Nathaniel to infuse his interactions with love and understanding.

He tasked Philip with spreading the gospel fearlessly among Gentiles, stressing the primacy of obedience to God's will over worldly concerns. Matthew received guidance to focus his efforts on teaching spiritual salvation, emphasizing a universal brotherhood under God and fearless proclamation of the gospel.

Finally, addressing the Alpheus twins, James and Judas. Jesus affirmed their belief and dedication, advising them to persevere in their faith and service, regardless of life's changes. He assured them of his ongoing presence and support, extending beyond their earthly missions to eternal service in the realms beyond.

It was almost ten o'clock in the morning when Jesus returned, and he said to all, "Farewell, until I meet you all on the mount of your ordination tomorrow at noontime," and then he vanished from their sight.

Before taking leave of them, Jesus requested that they go and get Simon Zelotes and bring him back. Peter and Andrew did as he asked and all eleven were together again in preparation for Jesus' fourteenth appearance the following day.