After Jesus had risen from the dead, he revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. This event, recorded in John 21, unfolds in a remarkable way. It began with Simon Peter, along with Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples, gathered together. Peter, ever the practical fisherman, declared, “I’m going out to fish.” The others readily joined him, saying, “We’ll go with you.” They embarked on their fishing endeavor, but despite their efforts throughout the night, they caught nothing.
As dawn approached, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples, in the dim morning light and perhaps still weary from their fruitless night, did not recognize him. Jesus called out to them, using the term “Friends,” and inquired, “Haven’t you any fish?” Their answer was a simple, disheartening, “No.” Jesus then offered them a directive that would change their fortunes. He instructed, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” Trusting this stranger’s advice, they followed his instruction. Immediately, their nets were overwhelmed with a massive catch of fish, so abundant that they were unable to haul the net into the boat.
It was at this moment of miraculous abundance that the disciple whom Jesus loved recognized him and exclaimed to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Upon hearing these words, Simon Peter, known for his impulsiveness and deep affection for Jesus, quickly wrapped his outer garment around himself (as he had been working without it) and plunged into the water to reach Jesus on the shore. The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the heavy net filled with fish, as they were not far from land, only about a hundred yards.
When they reached the shore, they found a charcoal fire already burning, with fish cooking on it, and bread laid out. Jesus invited them to bring some of the fish they had just caught. Simon Peter then hauled the net ashore, now able to manage it alone, and it was found to be filled with 153 large fish. Despite the immense number of fish, the net remained intact, a testament to the miraculous nature of the catch described in John 21. Jesus then invited them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to question his identity, for they knew it was indeed the Lord. Jesus served them bread and fish, nourishing them both physically and spiritually. This marked the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection from the dead, further solidifying the reality of his victory over death.
After breakfast, a significant exchange took place between Jesus and Simon Peter, a pivotal moment in John 21 often referred to as the reinstatement of Peter. Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” referring perhaps to the other disciples or to Peter’s fishing nets and livelihood, which he had declared he was returning to. Peter responded, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus then instructed him, “Feed my lambs.”
Jesus repeated the question a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” And Peter again affirmed his love, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus then commanded, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time Jesus asked, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked him the third time, likely remembering his three denials of Jesus before the crucifixion. He replied, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus then instructed him for the third time, “Feed my sheep.” This threefold affirmation and commission served as a restoration for Peter, reversing his threefold denial and entrusting him with the crucial role of shepherding Jesus’ followers.
Following this reinstatement, Jesus foretold Peter’s future, saying, “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” John 21 clarifies that Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God, implying Peter’s martyrdom. Jesus then simply commanded Peter, “Follow me!”
Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. Peter inquired of Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus responded, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” This exchange in John 21 led to a rumor among the believers that this disciple would not die, but the text clarifies that Jesus did not say this. He only emphasized Peter’s own calling to follow him.
John 21 concludes by affirming the authenticity of the account, stating, “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.” The chapter ends with a broader statement about Jesus’ ministry, noting that Jesus did many other things as well, and if everything were written down, the world itself could not contain the books. This emphasizes that John 21, and indeed the entire Gospel of John, provides a glimpse into the immeasurable depth of Jesus’ life and teachings, inviting readers to faith and discipleship.
