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John 21

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1After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. 2Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. 4But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. 5Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 9So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead. 15So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” 20Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” 21Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” 23This saying therefore went out among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say to him that he wouldn’t die, but, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?” 24This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true. 25There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.

World English Bible (public domain)

Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."

John 21:17

Summary

In John chapter 21, after His resurrection, Jesus appears to some of His disciples who are fishing by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, led by Peter, have been fishing all night without success, but upon Jesus' instruction, they cast their nets on the other side of the boat and catch a multitude of fish, symbolizing the abundance of spiritual life. After sharing a meal with them, Jesus has a poignant conversation with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him, paralleling Peter's three denials. This reinstates Peter's role and emphasizes the importance of love and responsibility in ministry. The chapter concludes with Jesus hinting at Peter's future suffering and the calling of discipleship that includes following Him even to death, reinforcing themes of perseverance and faithful following.

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Chapter outline

How John 21 unfolds

  1. John 21:1–3 Jesus Appears at the Sea

    After His resurrection, Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, where Simon Peter proposes going fishing. The other disciples join him, but they catch nothing all night.

  2. John 21:4–8 Miraculous Catch of Fish

    At dawn, Jesus calls from the shore, instructing them to cast their nets on the right side. They obey and catch an overwhelming number of fish, recognizing Jesus.

  3. John 21:9–14 Breakfast by the Sea

    The disciples come ashore to find Jesus has prepared breakfast for them, symbolizing fellowship and provision. This marks the third appearance of Jesus after His resurrection.

  4. John 21:15–17 Peter's Restoration

    After breakfast, Jesus questions Peter three times about his love, paralleling Peter's earlier denials. This reinstates Peter's role and responsibility in leading the others.

  5. John 21:18–19 Foretelling Peter's Future

    Jesus hints at Peter's future suffering and death, indicating that following Him will involve sacrifice. This emphasizes the cost of discipleship.

  6. John 21:20–23 Focus on Following Jesus

    Peter inquires about the disciple whom Jesus loved, but Jesus redirects him to focus on his own following. This highlights the personal nature of discipleship.

  7. John 21:24–25 The Beloved Disciple's Testimony

    The chapter concludes with testimony about the beloved disciple, affirming the truth of his witness. It suggests that there are many unsaid works of Jesus.

Key verses

  • John 21:17John 21:17 encapsulates the chapter's focus on love and responsibility in ministry, highlighting Peter's renewed purpose.

Main themes in John 21

Restoration and Forgiveness

Peter's restoration is a key focus in verses 15-17, as Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him three times. This intentional questioning serves to parallel Peter's previous three denials, underscoring the theme of forgiveness and the possibility of renewal after failure. Ultimately, this illustrates how grace can transform those who have stumbled, offering hope for restoration and a fresh start in their walk with Christ.

The Call to Discipleship

In verses 18-19, Jesus’ call to Peter emphasizes the deep commitment expected from His followers. The chapter conveys that true discipleship often involves challenges, suffering, and sacrifice, reflecting the reality of following Christ. This call serves to remind believers that faithfulness is essential, even amid trials and hardships, as they seek to live out their discipleship.

Abundance in Christ

The miraculous catch of fish in verses 6-8 serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual abundance that results from obedience to Jesus. This event illustrates that the richness of life in Christ surpasses mere material wealth, revealing the deeper rewards of faith and trust in His guidance. It highlights the joy and fulfillment that come from following Jesus, reinforcing the idea of divine provision in the believer's life.

The Importance of Love

In verses 15-17, Jesus’ repeated inquiries about Peter's love emphasize love as a foundational aspect of leadership and ministry within the church. This exchange reinforces the understanding that genuine love for Jesus must manifest in care and service toward others. Consequently, the chapter establishes love as a central tenet of the community of believers, vital for unity and effective ministry.

Cross-references

Passages that echo John 21

Study questions

Questions for studying John 21

  1. What miraculous event occurs when the disciples follow Jesus' instruction to cast their nets?
  2. How does Peter's response to Jesus' question show his relationship with Him?
  3. What significance does the number of fish caught symbolize in the context of this chapter?
  4. How does Jesus’ restoration of Peter address his previous denials?
  5. What does Jesus indicate about Peter's future and the nature of his discipleship?
  6. Why does Jesus tell Peter to focus on following Him rather than concerning himself with others?
  7. How does this chapter highlight the importance of love in ministry?

John 21: frequently asked questions

What is John 21 about?+
In John chapter 21, after His resurrection, Jesus appears to some of His disciples who are fishing by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, led by Peter, have been fishing all night without success, but upon Jesus' instruction, they cast their nets on the other side of the boat and catch a multitude of fish, symbolizing the abundance of spiritual life. After sharing a meal with them, Jesus has a poignant conversation with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him, paralleling Peter's three denials. This reinstates Peter's role and emphasizes the importance of love and responsibility in ministry. The chapter concludes with Jesus hinting at Peter's future suffering and the calling of discipleship that includes following Him even to death, reinforcing themes of perseverance and faithful following.
What is the key verse in John 21?+
John 21:17: "He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep."
What are the main themes of John 21?+
The main themes of John 21 are Restoration and Forgiveness, The Call to Discipleship, Abundance in Christ, The Importance of Love.

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Study Notes