John 21

This 3^rd appearance of Messiah to His disciples finds them back in Galilee.  Jesus had sent them to serve as He was sent (Jn. 20:21).  Thus the tendency is to criticize Peter and the rest for returning to the boat.  But to be fair, He has not fleshed out what this Apostolic ministry will look like.  Likely this will occupy some of the time He is with them in Galilee.  But it is reasonable to think that Peter had no idea he would preach to a large number of fellow Jews at Pentecost until the Spirit led him to answer those charging them with drunkenness (Acts 2).

Nevertheless this episode is critical in their training.  Through the miracle of the great catch of fish Jesus opens their minds to the nature of their ministry.  In His restoration of Peter Jesus will make clear that His call is still in effect.

One way of catching the message in the miracle is to contrast it to a similar miracle performed when He first called them to leave all and follow Him (Luke 5:1-11).  Earlier Peter argued with Christ before dropping the nets; here he does not hesitate even though he does not know that it is Jesus.  Earlier he felt shame and wanted Christ to leave him alone; here he immediately swims to Christ when he makes the connection.  There is a longing for fellowship with Christ that is essential to ministry (John 15:1-11).  There is a definite number of fish (rather than simply many fish), and the nets do not break as before.  Again their ministry is to be fruitful, and the fruit is to last (John 15:16).  Always, the ministry of the Church is Christ’s ministry.  He will make it effective as we follow Him.

In the restorative conversation of vs.15-23 Jesus takes Peter back to the early days of their relationship by calling him Simon, son of Jonah.  Clearly Peter’s struggle is over the 3 denials and as is often noted, Jesus 3 times commands him to care for His sheep.  The three exchanges are as follows:

·        v15: “Do you sacrificially love Me more than these men love Me” (or more than you love these men; or more than you love these fish; any of these fit the Greek)?  “You know perfectly well that I am your friend.”  “Feed My lambs.”

·        v16: “Do you sacrificially love Me?”  “You know perfectly well that I am Your friend.”  “Take care of My sheep.”

·        v17: “Are you My friend?”  “You know all things perfectly well.  You know from experience that I am Your friend.”  “Feed My sheep.”

Peter cannot claim sacrificial (agape) love for Christ.  He is at best His friend.  Perhaps the most important words of Christ are not the commands concerning His sheep but the promise to Peter that he will be faithful to the end (v18).  Peter’s up-and-down walk with Christ from the first call to “Follow Me” likely left him doubtful of ever being of use to his Lord.  Is there not joy in knowing that Jesus still wants him to follow, and that he will not turn away?

We too have a promise of God’s faithfulness so we might be faithful in serving Him.  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 24)