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153: The Meaning

All of our numbered Limited Edition Collector prints are limited to 153 total prints.

According to the Gospel of John (21:1-11):

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.


Ray Majoran, India, November 2015
Many suggestions have been offered as to why the distinct amount of fish in John 21:11 is 153.  It is important to know that of the many answers given, the most important is that it testifies of the power of Jesus to hold on to what He catches.  We can never be the fish that got away!  The net cannot tear.  We cannot grab the bait and run.  The line cannot break!  This is both the literal and symbolic, physical and spiritual message found in John 21.  The 153 fish testify of this great doctrine that we call the perseverance of the saints! (Source: carm.org)