The disciples had no idea it was Jesus who had called out to them from the shore asking if they had food (John 21:4). As far as they were concerned it was just another fisherman checking out the prospects for the day. To their response of no, Jesus calls out, "Cast your nets on the right side and you will find some" (John 21:6). What made them listen to a stranger on the shore isn't clear, but they did exactly that and suddenly their nets were overflowing with fish. John tells us they counted 153 big fish among the hundreds of medium size and small ones.
The fish are so large and so plentiful that John remarks surprise that the nets did not tear with the weight of them.
It is John who recognizes Jesus first. The physical features are not the clues for recognizing him. It is the realization the miracle of fish; Great swarms of fish do not usually come close to shore (about a hundred yards). John is in awe as he exclaims to Peter, "It' the Lord!"
Peter doesn't wait. In seconds he has thrown on his outer garments and swims to shore. Most of us think of removing layers of clothing to swim, not adding layers. But Peter isn't thinking about anything except getting to the Master.
May our devotion run as deep.
