Luke's description of a fish...
Illustration
Luke's description of a fish catch so big as to break nets, also strains the imagination. It is a fish story guaranteed to outweigh any other fish story one might encounter --or create. As a staple food of the Hebrew people in that area, fish figure in this scene as well as in the feeding of the four and five thousand. In each case, they show the liberality of God.
The ancient Christian Church made much of the symbol of the fish. Its initials stood for Jesus' name. It was said to be drawn as a secret code when individuals attempted to communicate that they were followers of the Christ. The Gospel of John depicts Jesus having a breakfast of fish with his disciples following his resurrection.
One church father described the baptized as 'little pisces,' small fish swimming in God's great ocean of love and care. Today the fish sign is found on cars, jewelry and in church art.
In Luke's description, the bounty of fish becomes the means by which Jesus himself hooks the soon-to-be disciples. In turn, he gives them the knowledge that they will be thrown out on the sea of humanity to fish there. There is something on the humorous side about comparing evangelism to a fishing trip. But the results do in fact attest to some wonderful fish stories.
--Hedahl
The ancient Christian Church made much of the symbol of the fish. Its initials stood for Jesus' name. It was said to be drawn as a secret code when individuals attempted to communicate that they were followers of the Christ. The Gospel of John depicts Jesus having a breakfast of fish with his disciples following his resurrection.
One church father described the baptized as 'little pisces,' small fish swimming in God's great ocean of love and care. Today the fish sign is found on cars, jewelry and in church art.
In Luke's description, the bounty of fish becomes the means by which Jesus himself hooks the soon-to-be disciples. In turn, he gives them the knowledge that they will be thrown out on the sea of humanity to fish there. There is something on the humorous side about comparing evangelism to a fishing trip. But the results do in fact attest to some wonderful fish stories.
--Hedahl
