FOLLOW WITH RENEWED PURPOSE

FEBRUARY 23, 2014 

·         This is chapter is referred by many as an appendix and serves to close out some issues as well as clarify some misconceptions.

·         We see that Thomas is with them; perhaps he does want to miss out on any more appearances of Jesus.

·         Thomas' faith also seems to be stronger than ever.

·         There is more unity seen among the seven disciples that are here.

·         There is no mention where the other four are.

·         Since at best, it is speculation as to what the names of these seven are (not all are named), it would also be speculation as to the four that are not currently present. 

WHAT ARE YOU FISHING FOR? (JOHN 21:3-7A)

3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out, and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Him, "No." 6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch." They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. 7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord."     NASB 

VERSE 3:

·        The word “I am going...” could well mean “withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively” according to Strong's Dictionary.

·        It is more likely that they just did not want to be idle while waiting for Jesus.

·        They fished at night because that was the best time for catching fish.

·        It is to be noticed that they undertook this task in their own strength, with the result that they caught nothing.

·        They are experiencing the truth that they can do nothing apart from Jesus.

VERSE 4:

·        This is consistent with the previous appearances, Jesus is not recognized until He shows himself.

·        Jesus shows Himself to whoever He wishes.

VERSE 5:

·        Here Jesus asked; but, as in prayer He wants to hear our needs from us; but, He already knew the answer.

·         The form of address from Jesus is one that would suggest unfamiliarity, a distance.

·         Perhaps Jesus was not pleased with how quickly they returned to their old pattern of life, and the part that Peter played in leading them.

·         His question is worded as expecting a "no" answer.

VERSE 6:

·        This miracle is the only recorded miracle that the Lord performed after His resurrection.

·        It is also possible that God did not allow them to catch any fish during their night effort in order to contrast and highlight the catch made through obedience.

·         This also shows the even though Jesus will no longer be with them physically, he will still make provision for their needs.

VERSE 7a:

·        John was the first to believe that Jesus had risen from the grave; and he is quick to recognize that it is Jesus on the beach.

·         Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit to be shared to the benefit of others. 

DO YOU LOVE ME? (JOHN 21:15-17)

15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs."  16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."  17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him," Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. "Jesus said to him," Tend My sheep.     NASB 

“And as we watch their six oars flashing in the setting sun, and Peter steering them to the familiar fishing ground, we cannot but reflect in how precarious a position the whole future of the world is. That boat carries the earthly hope of the Church; and as we weigh the feelings of the men that are in it, what we see chiefly is, how easily the whole of Christianity might here have broken short off, and never have been heard of, supposing it to have depended for its propagation solely on the disciples.”

Expositor’s Bible Commentary 

·        We all tend to underestimate the forgiveness that is available from Jesus.

·        Many are slow to come to Him because they assume that their sins are too great.

·        Perhaps Peter was uneasy about his standing with Jesus after running away and then denying Him like he did.

·        We now see how Jesus is ready to receive any who are willing.

·         Peter denied Jesus around a charcoal fire, and he is re-instated here around a charcoal fire. 

WHAT ABOUT OTHERS? (JOHN 21:20-23)

20 Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" 21 Peter therefore seeing him said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!"  23 This saying therefore went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?"      NASB 

VERSE 20-21:

·        Peter still has some things to learn.

·         Here he evidently broached a subject that he had no need to know and was rebuked for it.

·         Perhaps he was still allowing unnecessary things to distract him from focusing on Jesus.

VERSE 23:

·        This is a great example of correct Bible interpretation; do not add to or take away from what it says.

·         Look carefully at only the words that are there, otherwise you are open to misunderstanding it.