John 21 Pray / Read / Answer Questions / Pray / Journal 1. What does this chapter teach me about Jesus? 2. What does this chapter teach me about myself and others? Chapter summary. John’s Gospel has reached its climax. But John cannot help reminiscing about Jesus’ post-resurrection times with His disciples. He tells of a fishing trip to the Sea of Galilee (also called Tiberias) sponsored by Peter. Jesus appears on shore, tells His disciples to cast out their nets one more time, and fills them with a great haul of fish (21:1–14). That morning Jesus gently confronted Peter, and asked, “Do you love Me?” three times—once for each of Peter’s earlier denials. That same morning Jesus restores and recommissions Peter, charging him to “feed My sheep” (vv. 15–19). On that same occasion Jesus rebuked Peter for asking about John’s call. It’s enough, even for leaders, to follow Jesus themselves and let others be responsible for their own responses to the Lord (vv. 20–23). John closes on a note of regret. There’s so much more he could share about Jesus! But surely there are not enough books published in the whole world to record His first-century words and works, to say nothing of the work He has carried on in believers for the millenia since then (vv. 24–25). Key verse. 21:15: Love, expressed in caring. Personal application. Concentrate on following Jesus and don’t concern yourself with how He is leading other disciples. INSIGHT Peter goes fishing (21:3). The “we’ll go with you” reminds us that Peter really is the leader of the disciples. But we have no insight into why Peter decided to go back to his old trade. It may have been restlessness. Or a feeling he needed to support his family. Whatever the reason, the expedition was an exercise in futility. They caught no fish! Actually no one who follows Jesus can go back to his or her old way of life. Jesus calls us to something fresh and new. It’s not that we must change jobs. He changes us, and we find no real satisfaction except in doing His will. Peter’s example. Peter must have felt as we do when we fail the Lord: eager for acceptance, yet uncertain and ashamed. At such times let’s follow Peter’s example. Peter was so eager to see Jesus again he jumped out of the boat and swam to shore (v. 7). There he rushed to bring fish when Jesus asked for them (v. 11). Don’t let sins drive you from the Lord. Hurry back to Him and show your love by ready obedience. “Do you love Me? (21:15–17). The “more than these” is uncertain. Does Jesus ask if Peter loves Christ more than the other disciples do? Or more than he loves the others? Or perhaps more than he loves his boats and nets, and his old life as a fisherman? Whatever the intent, the significance is clear. We are to love Jesus most of all. “Love” (21:15–17). Different Gk. words for “love” are used in the repeated questions and answers. Many a sermon has been based on the fact that Christ’s first two questions were, “Do you agapao Me?” and “Do you phileo Me?” in the third, while each of Peter’s replies proclaimed a phileo love for the Lord. Agapao here may indicate that Jesus asks for a more committed, deeper love than Peter—once burned!—feels able to affirm. But Jesus accepts the love Peter is able to give and calls him to serve. Pasture and shepherd (21:15–17). Christ called Peter to serve and nurture others. Peter’s death (21:18–19). Tradition tells us that Peter was crucified in Rome, but at his request upside down, for he did not feel worthy to die as his Lord had. What about John (21:20–22). There’s an important principle here. We’re to concentrate on following where Jesus leads us. And we’re to let others follow where Jesus leads them. The church is not a hierarchy, with overseers telling others what God’s will is for them. The church is an organism, and each believer is directly connected with Jesus Christ, the church’s living head. We each are to love and follow Him—and let others follow where they are led.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 11:21:56 +0000