John 21 (Ambassadors)

Jesus Feeds His Sheep

vs 1-3:

The setting here is at the sea of Tiberias in Galilee

The word, “after this” which starts the passage only shows a literary chronology, not an historical chronology; pointing to the two previous appearances of Christ. In Jn 16:7, Jesus had told them to return to Galilee and promised that he would see them there.

Peters and the disciples decision to fish is then normal while waiting for him. However, they were not able to catch any fish that night

VS. 4-14

Christ comes to the rescue as he directs the disciples, his children, on where to find fish. While they received direction from Jesus, they did not recognize Him, but after the miracle of catching fish they recognized “their Lord.” It is also interesting to see that Peter abandoned the work of fishing after knowing the Christ was near by.

The disciples still had little doubts about Jesus’ appearance, but they knew “it was the Lord.” Jesus miraculously provided fish, and also prepares a bread and fish dish for the disciples. Hence, he “invites” them to eat. Despite their work at sea, Christ provides and serves his disciples.

This was the third time Jesus had appeared to the disciples (Jn 20:19–23; 20:26–29)

2 Peter 3:10–13 (ESV)

2 Peter 3:10–13 ESV

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

The Call to Feed

VS. 15-17

This situation signifies the commencing of the church and its leadership.

After the breakfast, Peter and Jesus had an aside conversation where Jesus question Peter’s love for Him.

Do you truly love me more than these: Here, it is more plausible that Jesus is asking if Peter loved him more than the disciples present. Peter responds without any bold claims. He states, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Christ responds, “Feed my lambs.” Hence, Peter is commissioned to feed Jesus’ lamb, the church. Hence, Peter’s love is truly tested if he would nourish the church.

Jesus asks the same question again, and Peter responds with the same appeal to Jesus’ ability to know that he loves Him. Thereafter, Jesus responds, “tend my sheep.” Aside from feeding, Peter must look after and take care of the sheep.

Jesus asks the same question, but this time Peter is grieved because of the repeated questions. However, this time, we realized Peter does not affirm his love, with a “Yes,” but relies on Christ’s knowledge of his heart. “Lord, you know everything.” Jesus responds by telling him again to feed the sheep.

It is significant to note although Peter betrays Jesus three times, he is commissioned him three times. Christ does not necessarily affirms Peter’s love, but Christ proves his love for Peter by feeding him and calling him to the Pastoral ministry.

Peter must affirm his love by loving those who have been purchased by the blood of Christ. 2 Peter 1:12-15

2 Peter 1:12–15 ESV

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

The Call to Follow

Vs. 18-25

Jesus demonstrates Peter’s death by indicating that following Him will mean going to places unintended. Hence, it will be a whole journey of depending and walking in the foot step of Christ, even unto sufferings, death, and persecution.

Peter will no longer conduct his life based on his will but only based on the will of Christ.

After Peter asked if the beloved, John, would die, Jesus responded by saying, “if it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” Jesus is calling Peter not to concern himself with the spiritual journey of others but to mind his own spiritual journey, and trust the Jesus’ perfect will.

Closing/Authentication

Vv. 24-25

This passage again is to assure readers of the authenticity of John’s witness to gospel. Hence, a group of editors signified by the “and we know,” attests to the validity of John’s claims.

They also attest that Jesus did many things which have not been recorded in the text because the Christ’s acts were numerous. More so, John wanted to focus his writing on his major thesis in John 20:30-31

John 20:30 ESV

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;