Scripture reading – John 21
John 21, the final chapter in the Gospel of John, presents a unique perspective into the days and weeks that followed Christ’s resurrection before His ascension to heaven. Jesus had promised to meet His disciples in Galilee, and they were to go “into a mountain where [He] had appointed them” (Matthew 28:16). However, only seven of the eleven disciples are named (John 21:2), with no indication where the others might have been.
“I Go a Fishing” (John 21:3-11)
Simon Peter, ever the impulsive one, and possibly weary of waiting on Jesus, announced to the others, “I go a fishing” (John 21:3a). Rather than dissuade him from leaving the place Jesus had asked them to wait, the other disciples said to Peter, “We also go with thee” (John 21:3). So, they all went down to the “sea of Tiberias” (the Roman name for the Sea of Galilee, John 21:1), and fished through the night and “caught nothing” (John 21:3).
The following morning, the disciples saw a man standing on the shore; however, they “knew not that it was Jesus” (John 21:4). He called to the disciples and said, “Children, have ye any meat?” (John 21:5). When they “answered him, No” He commanded them, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find” (John 21:5-6). Desperate and weary, the disciples did as they were told, and the catch of fish was so great that “they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes” (John 21:7).
John, again describing himself as “that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord” (John 21:5a). Without hesitation, Peter gathered his outer robe (for he had probably worn only a loin cloth in the boat), and “did cast himself into the sea” (John 21:7) and came to Jesus.
The other disciples in a smaller boat not far from shore followed Peter, “dragging the net with fishes” (John 21:8). When they came to shore, “they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread” (John 21:9). Jesus asked, “Bring of the fish which ye have now caught” (John 21:10). Then, Peter went to assist the disciples, and dragging the net to the shore, found they had drawn up 153 large fish, and “yet was not the net broken” (John 21:11).
“Come and Dine!” (John 21:9-13)
As the disciples came to Jesus, they heard Him say, “Come and dine” (John 21:12). He had wonderfully and graciously prepared to care for their needs. Fish and bread warmed over hot coals were waiting for them! (John 21:13) John reminds his readers that this was “the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead” (John 21:14).
Christ Questioned Peter’s Devotion (John 21:15-19)
The balance of the chapter recorded the dramatic interchange between Jesus and Peter when the LORD asked him, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” (John 21:15)
More than what? Perhaps it was the boat and nets of Peter’s former profession, for he was a fisherman when Jesus called him to be His disciple (Matthew 4:18-19). Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou me?” (John 21:15, 16, 17). We read that “Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). The essence of Jesus’ question was this: Peter, do you love me enough to leave everything and be a shepherd to my sheep?
Before the Lord gave His final command to Peter, He first delivered to him some sobering news: “18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not” (John 21:18).
In essence, Christ reminded Peter that when he was young, he went about doing as he pleased (John 21:18a). However, in his old age, he would be bound, and signifying the manner of his death, his hands would be outstretched as one dying on a cross (John 21:8b). Then Jesus commanded Peter, “Follow me” (John 21:19).
Closing thoughts (John 21:20-25)
I conclude our study of the Gospels with several thoughts. First, Peter and the other disciples failed to wait for the Lord on the mount, where He commanded them to remain until He came. They were commanded to go “into a mountain” (Matthew 28:16), but instead, they abandoned that place and went to the lake to fish. They disobeyed the LORD, fished all night, and had nothing to show for their labor the next day but empty nets (John 21:3, 5).
Another observation arose when Jesus questioned Peter regarding his love and devotion (John 21:15-19). Peter, hearing he would die a martyr, became concerned with John’s future and asked Jesus, “Lord, and what shall this man do?” (John 21:21) Jesus answered Peter, “If I will that he [John] tarry [live] till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me” (John 21:22). There were some who believed Jesus’ answer implied that John “should not die” until He came again (John 21:23). I think His words were a loving rebuke to Peter. In other words, Peter should not be concerned with the Lord’s plan for others but only with his calling and commission.
Our Scripture reading concludes with John reminding his readers that he was an eyewitness and that “his testimony [was] true” (John 21:23). Reflecting on the life, ministry, and miracles of Jesus, John wrote that should everything be recorded, “even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25).
Thank you for joining me on this spiritual journey through the Gospels.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
* Please subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Heart of A Shepherd Inc.
7853 Gunn Highway
#131
Tampa, Florida 33626-1611