Last time we learned of Jesus’resurrection. His resurrection proved Hewas really God’s Son. He had defeated death. This shows us that death is not the end, butthe beginning of a new life with God. Welearned that He appeared to Mary Magdalene, the disciples and many others overa 40 day period proving His resurrection.
John21:1-14 – The Miraculous Catch
Jesus had told the disciples togo to Galilee and wait there for Him. Soafter the resurrection some of the disciples went to Galilee and waited for Him.Peter decided to go fishing. Thomas, Nathanael and 2 other disciplesfollowed. Scripture doesn’t tell uswhere the others were. They worked allnight, but didn’t catch any fish. Thenearly in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore.He called out to them and asked why they had not caught any fish, butthey didn’t recognize Him. Theyanswered, “No”. Then He told them tothrow their net on the right side of the boat and they would find fish. They did and there were so many fish theywere unable to haul the net into the boat. (John21:1-6)
The disciples gave up waiting andwent back to what they knew - fishing. Itseems they had lost their purpose and really didn’t know what to do. They had been given instructions to proclaimthe gospel, but instead the grew impatient and went back to their old familiarways. We grow impatient waiting on God sometimeand go back to our old ways. God hascommanded us to be still and to patiently wait on Him. They could have waited by praying andtrusting Him.
What is keeping you from waitingpatiently and trusting in God and His timing?
How often have you worked hardand had nothing to show for it?
Do you get frustrated when yourprayers are not answered when you think they should be?
Where has Jesus directed you tospend time fishing for people?
They were experienced fishermenand were frustrated when they had not caught any fish. They answered Jesus’ question with adiscouraging “no”. Jesus wasn’t lookingfor information. He knew they didn’tcatch any fish. He wanted them torecognize they didn’t have the ability on their own. They needed Jesus’ help. Just as we need His help. Remember He said, “Apartfrom me you can do nothing.” – John15:5. The lesson here is if you dowhat Jesus commands, He will bless you.
John was the first to recognizeJesus and said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” – John 21:7. When Peter heard this, he was so excited tosee Jesus that he dove into the sea. Theother 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 Jesushad power over nature as He had before the crucifixion.
When they landed at the shore, Jesus was therewith a fire of burning coals where bread and fish were already cooking. He invited them to come for breakfast and tobring what they had caught. They knewwho He was and never questioned Him.Then Jesus gave thanks for the bread and fish. This was the 3rd time Jesus hadappeared to His disciples after His resurrection. (John 21:7-14)
Jesus provided for thedisciples. He encouraged them by Hisappearance. He supplied them with theirlots of fish meeting their physical needs.His appearance encouraged them when it seemed they didn’t know what todo now that He was not with them. Theyprobably were discouraged as they waited for Jesus. He always provides us with our needs.
Jesus used the work of fishing tothe work they were called to do. He saidthat 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 towait for His provision and direction.
John21:15-17 – Peter’s Commission
After they finished eating, Jesusasked Peter three times if he loved Him.Each time Peter answered, “yes”.Jesus told him to “Feed my lambs”, “Take care ofmy sheep”, “Feed my sheep” – John21:15-17.
Jesus had privately appeared toPeter after the resurrection and restored him.But now Jesus wanted to publicly restore Peter as He commissioned him asa leader. Jesus showed love and kindnesswhen He questioned Peter. Three timesPeter denied Jesus so Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him. This showed Peter and the other disciplesthat Peter’s sins were forgiven. He didthis publicly so they wouldn’t question Peter’s leadership in the future. I am sure this humbled Peter as he lookedback on his sin. It is always humblingwhen we look back at our past sins.Jesus knew he was grieving over his denials and He wanted him to know hewas truly forgiven. Loving Jesus becauseHe has forgiven all your sins is essential for serving Him.
This love is referring to God’slove for people and our love for Him. Itis Agape love. It’s an unconditionallove. It’s the kind of love thatsacrifices itself for others.
The phrases “Feed my lambs” and “Take careof my sheep” refers to the church – to all believers. We are not to put down other Christians eventhough some are self-centered and difficult to be around. Sometimes we are not all lovable. Jesus loved them enough to die of them so wehave to love them, too.
Principle: Jesus wants to use every believer to helpfeed and shepherd His sheep.
John21:18-25 – The Reliable Witness
Jesus tells Peter that from nowon his life will change. He predictedPeter would die because of his faith. Hewould die stretching out his hands (meaning crucifixion). Peter asked Jesus what will happen toJohn. Jesus told him that it was none ofhis business as to what happens to John. “If I want him to remain alive until Ireturn, what is that to you?” – John21:18-19.
Jesus knew what would happen toPeter, which proves that He knows all things.His sovereign plan determines the future. Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee an easylife or a peaceful death. We all have todie, but our aim should be to glorify God even in death.
By Peter asking what would happento John could have been out of curiosity or maybe concern. Maybe he was like us comparing ourselves toothers. Peter was not to be concernedwith John. We are not to be concerned orcompare ourselves with others. We allserve Him differently. He determines howwe serve Him and how we die. He uses eachperson differently based on our individual needs, personality and the work Hehas for us.
How are you comparing yourself toothers?
“This is the disciplewho 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 whichJesus did that he didn’t write down, because the worldwould not have room for all the books that would be written. (John 21:25).
John assured us that he is aneyewitness to these accounts. He istestifying to the truthfulness to all he has written. He wants us to believe his testimony and putour faith in Jesus, the Son of God and our Lord and Savior.
Have you put your faith in JesusChrist as your Savor and Lord?
If so, are you trusting Him foryour future?
How are you putting into practicethe truth about Jesus?
Principle: God uses each person differentlybased on our individual needs, personality and with work He has for us.
This is our last study on TheGospel of John. What awonderful study it has been! I love thisbook. It is my favorite. Join me next fall when we study the book of Revelation. Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting mysite. – I encourage you to trust inJesus.
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Resources:
TheHoly Bible NIV
Bsfinternational.org
Bibleref.org
Enduringword.com
Gotquestions.org
