Ready after the ill success of the previous night “to take any suggestion by whomsoever offered,” they did so, and straightway found themselves unable to drag the net in again by reason of the multitude of the fish they had enclosed. Awakened partly by the incident itself, partly perhaps by the Voice of the Stranger, to the recollection of a former and similar experience (Lk. v. 5)[629], the Apostle John felt sure He knew who was standing on the beach, and said to Simon Peter, _It is the Lord_ (Jn. xxi. 7). Instantly the son of Jonas, eager, ardent, impetuous as of old, girding his fisher’s coat[630] about him, flung himself into the lake, and by swimming and wading reached the shore, followed by the rest in the boat dragging the net with the fish they had caught. On landing they not only found themselves in the presence of their risen Lord, but perceived mysterious provision made for their wants after the wearying night. On the smooth margin of the lake[631] was a fire of charcoal[632], and fish laid thereon and bread, and the Redeemer bade them add to these some of the fish they had just brought to land. In obedience to this command Peter drew the net to shore, and brought of the fish, which numbered _a hundred and fifty and three_ (Jn. xxi. 11), and then all sat down to the early morning meal as in former days, when dwelling with Him by the shore of that same lake. And now too, as at Emmaus, the risen Saviour as Master of the family took of the bread and fish, and distributed unto them, while they, filled with reverential awe, though certain that it was He, did not venture to question[633] Him with regard to the exact “state of His holy personality[634].” When the meal was over, turning to the Apostle Peter the risen Saviour enquired, _Simon, son of Jonas, lovest[635] thou Me more than these_? _Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee_, replied the Apostle, but not as on the sad evening of the Betrayal, exalting himself on his own faithfulness above his fellow-disciples[636] (Jn. xxi. 15). _Feed My lambs_, responded his Lord. A second and yet a third time was the question repeated, till the Apostle touched probably by this reminder of his three denials, and flinging himself on the Omniscience of the Holy One made answer, _Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee_. Once more the command _Feed My sheep_ was given, and thus the Apostle was restored to his old place in the circle of the Twelve (Jn. xxi. 16, 17).