John 21:1-14 – The Miraculous Catch
Jesus had told the disciples to go to Galilee and wait there for Him. So after the resurrection some of the disciples went to Galilee and waited for Him. Peter decided to go fishing. Thomas, Nathanael and 2 other disciples followed. Scripture doesn’t tell us where the others were. They worked all night, but didn’t catch any fish. Then early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. He called out to them and asked why they had not caught any fish, but they didn’t recognize Him. They answered, “No”. Then He told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat and they would find fish. They did and there were so many fish they were unable to haul the net into the boat. (John 21:1-6)
The disciples gave up waiting and went back to what they knew - fishing. It seems they had lost their purpose and really didn’t know what to do. They had been given instructions to proclaim the gospel, but instead the grew impatient and went back to their old familiar ways. We grow impatient waiting on God sometime and go back to our old ways. God has commanded us to be still and to patiently wait on Him. They could have waited by praying and trusting Him.
What is keeping you from waiting patiently and trusting in God and His timing?
They were experienced fishermen and were frustrated when they had not caught any fish. They answered Jesus’ question with a discouraging “no”. Jesus wasn’t looking for information. He knew they didn’t catch any fish. He wanted them to recognize they didn’t have the ability on their own. They needed Jesus’ help. Just as we need His help. Remember He said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5. The lesson here is if you do what Jesus commands, He will bless you.
John was the first to recognize Jesus and said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” – John 21:7. When Peter heard this, he was so excited to see Jesus that he dove into the sea. The other disciples followed in the boat with a net full of fish. John tells us it was 153 fish. Why is the amount of 153 fish important? It was an extraordinary thing that happened, because someone extraordinary was there. It provided further evidence to the disciples that the resurrected Jesus had power over nature as He had before the crucifixion.
When they landed at the shore, Jesus was there with a fire of burning coals where bread and fish were already cooking. He invited them to come for breakfast and to bring what they had caught. They knew who He was and never questioned Him. Then Jesus gave thanks for the bread and fish. This was the 3rd time Jesus had appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. (John 21:7-14)
Jesus provided for the disciples. He encouraged them by His appearance. He supplied them with their lots of fish meeting their physical needs. His appearance encouraged them when it seemed they didn’t know what to do now that He was not with them. They probably were discouraged as they waited for Jesus. He always provides us with our needs.
Jesus used the work of fishing to the work they were called to do. He said that He would make them fishers of men. “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matt. 4:19.
Principle: God always provides for us; it’s better to wait for His provision and direction.
John 21:15-17 – Peter’s Commission
After they finished eating, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Each time Peter answered, “yes”. Jesus told him to “Feed my lambs”, “Take care of my sheep”, “Feed my sheep” – John 21:15-17.
Jesus had privately appeared to Peter after the resurrection and restored him. But now Jesus wanted to publicly restore Peter as He commissioned him as a leader. Jesus showed love and kindness when He questioned Peter. Three times Peter denied Jesus so Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him. This showed Peter and the other disciples that Peter’s sins were forgiven. He did this publicly so they wouldn’t question Peter’s leadership in the future. I am sure this humbled Peter as he looked back on his sin. It is always humbling when we look back at our past sins. Jesus knew he was grieving over his denials and He wanted him to know he was truly forgiven. Loving Jesus because He has forgiven all your sins is essential for serving Him.
This love is referring to God’s love for people and our love for Him. It is Agape love. It’s an unconditional love. It’s the kind of love that sacrifices itself for others.
The phrases “Feed my lambs” and “Take care of my sheep” refers to the church – to all believers. We are not to put down other Christians even though some are self-centered and difficult to be around. Sometimes we are not all lovable. Jesus loved them enough to die of them so we have to love them, too.
Principle: Jesus wants to use every believer to help feed and shepherd His sheep.
John 21:18-25 – The Reliable Witness
Jesus tells Peter that from now on his life will change. He predicted Peter would die because of his faith. He would die stretching out his hands (meaning crucifixion). Peter asked Jesus what will happen to John. Jesus told him that it was none of his business as to what happens to John. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” – John 21:18-19.
Jesus knew what would happen to Peter, which proves that He knows all things. His sovereign plan determines the future. Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee an easy life or a peaceful death. We all have to die, but our aim should be to glorify God even in death.
By Peter asking what would happen to John could have been out of curiosity or maybe concern. Maybe he was like us comparing ourselves to others. Peter was not to be concerned with John. We are not to be concerned or compare ourselves with others. We all serve Him differently. He determines how we serve Him and how we die. He uses each person differently based on our individual needs, personality and the work He has for us.
How are you comparing yourself to others?
“This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.” – John 21:24. John is speaking of himself. He said there are so many other things which Jesus did that he didn’t write down, because the world would not have room for all the books that would be written. (John 21:25).
John assured us that he is an eyewitness to these accounts. He is testifying to the truthfulness to all he has written. He wants us to believe his testimony and put our faith in Jesus, the Son of God and our Lord and Savior.
Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savor and Lord?
Principle: God uses each person differently based on our individual needs, personality and with work He has for us.
This is our last study on The Gospel of John. What a wonderful study it has been! I love this book. It is my favorite. Join me next fall when we study the book of Revelation. Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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