"After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples." (John 21:1-2)

          Only John records the events of Jesus appearing to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). Jesus had told them before His crucifixion that after He had arisen He would meet them in Galilee. (Matt. 26:32) Also the women to whom He appeared were also told to tell the disciples that He would meet them in Galilee. (Matt. 28:7) Galilee being in northern Israel was far away from the Jewish rulers in Judaea and they were in less danger there. John says that all the disciples were in Galilee, but only mentions seven. The reason is found in verse three.

           "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." (John 21:3)

           Often Peter is criticized for returning to fishing, but there was a good and honorable reason that he did. While the disciples were with the Lord they were given food and shelter because they were His disciples. Now that the Lord was not with them, they had no means of support so they did the proper thing and return to their profession as fishermen. The reason John records on seven men were fishing is probably because the other disciples had other means to provide for themselves. Therefore, only seven of the men had joined with Peter in working as fishermen. Peter, James, and John were certainly fishermen, but we do not know the occupations of Thomas or the other two unnamed disciples. So these other men seem to have taken the opportunity to provide some income for themselves and the other disciples.

           "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes." (John 21:4-6)

           They had been net fishing all night and now the morning had come. They must have been close to the shore because they saw the Lord standing on the sea side, but they did not recognize Him. However, when the Sea of Galilee is calm sound would be carried some distance and they could have been several hundred yards from shore. Jesus then spoke to them and calling them children ask universal question posed to all fishermen, "Have you caught any fish?" They gave the reply that many a fisherman has had to respond saying they had not. Jesus then tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they would catch fish. All fishermen are always ready to try some different way to catch fish and the disciples then cast the net to the right side and the net was filled with so many fish they could not bring it in.

           "Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea." (John 21:7)

           What happened next should thrill the heart of any pastor or child of God. John now recognized that it was Jesus standing on the shore and he tells Peter it was the Lord. Without question Peter was immediately overjoyed to see the Lord. He was only dressed in his undergarment and therefore he put on his fisherman's cloth sprang into the water. He could not contain himself nor wait for the boat to come to shore so driving into the lake he swam to the shore to see the Lord. John does not record for us the scene of Peter when he reached the Lord, but we can be sure that he embraces his Lord, Friend, and Savior with great enthusiasms.

           "And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken." (John 21:8-11)

           The details that John provides show us the reality of the event. The other disciples not being able to pull in the net filled with fish came in dragging the net to the shore. We can be sure this is simply another example of how the Lord provides for His own. The fish they had caught would have taken care of their needs for some time. As they came to onto the shore, they saw a fire of coals and fish laid thereon and bread that the Lord had provided for them.

           It would not have been a good idea to allow the fish to remain in the net and possibly escape so the Lord tells them to bring in the fish they had caught. Peter then draws in the net full of fishes onto the land. John tells us that every fish was brought in and that the net did not break even under the strain us such a large catch of one hundred and fifty-three fish. It would have been the procedure then to take the fish and put them in baskets to take to the market. Certainly they were tired and hungry from their labors of fishing all night and the taking care of such a great number of fish. The Savior aware of their needs beckoned to them, "Come and dine."

           "Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead." (John 21:12-14)

           What a thrilling invitation the Lord gave to them saying, "Come and dine!" What a wonderful thing this was to be in the Lord's presence and to have Him to have prepared baked fish and bread for their breakfast. What a tranquil scene we can imagine as they saw around the fire. They were beside the beautiful sea of Galilee with its deep blue waters and cool and calming breeze, but that was over shadowed by being in the presence of the resurrected Lord. None of them asked who Jesus was for their heart knew in whom they had believed. What a privilege they had in being served by the Lord giving them bread and fish. But surely in their minds was the wonderful truth that Jesus had served them in another and more important way, for He has born their sins on that old rugged cross and given them eternal life. John adds that this was the third time that Jesus had appeared to His disciples since His resurrection. "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." (John 21:15)

           Jesus asked Peter "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" The word "these" can be neuter, or can be masculine. Some think that Jesus was asking Peter if he loved his "things" like his, boat, his fishing utensils, and his employment more than Jesus. However, this is a superficial and mistaken view of this event. Jesus was asking him do you love me more than the other disciples love me? There was a need in Peter's spiritual life and he needed to be confronted with the reality of his true relationship with Jesus Christ. Clearly Peter loved the Lord as shown by his race to shore to meet Him. Peter had been strong at times in standing with the Lord, but there was a problem. His denial of the Lord His trial three times while He was being unjustly tried showed he lacked true stability in his faith. His was a wavering faith that tossed him around when the waves came. (See James 1:6-8)

           Jesus was not scolding or rebuking Peter for his fail, but was showing His love and compassion on the sinner gone astray. Jesus' questions were forcing Peter to deal with why he had denied the Lord into order to bring to him a life changing conviction. This was the vital question Peter must resolve if he would overcome his failure and the Lord be able to use him. In the upper room Jesus had commissioned the disciples to be his witnesses now that He would no longer be with them. None of the other disciples had denied Him, therefore the question was "Peter, do you love me more than these who did not deny me?" Jesus wanted Peter's full commitment which is expressed in the question, "Do you love me more than these other disciples love me?" The Lord wished to free Peter of the great burden his failure has caused and to restore him to a full relationship with his Savior.

           Peter replied "Yes, Lord, ye know I love thee." Jesus had used a most poignant term "agape" and Peter understood that it meant He was asking him "Do you have a such a devotion to me that it compels you to give yourself a sacrifice for me?"

           Peter's answer seems to have been a snap response that he had not given much thought to. This is borne out by the Lord asking the question two additional times. Although Jesus had used the word "agape," in His question and Peter responded with "phileo." One should be careful in trying to understand the use of these two words. Vines states "The distinction between the two verbs finds a conspicuous instance in the narrative of John 21:15-17. The context itself indicates that agapao in the first two suggests the "love" that values and esteems (cf. Rev. 12:11). It is an unselfish "love," ready to serve."

           Peter made no pretension of having a greater love for the Lord than the others and he used the word "phileo" which refers to an affectionate type of love. However, we should be understand that "phileo" too is a true love. It should not be discounted as being simply a causal love without substance. Vines says "to "love" (phileo) life, from an undue desire to preserve it, forgetful of the real object of living, meets with the Lord's reproof, John 12:25." Peter's reply was an honest expression of a humbled soul that was fully aware of its weakness and need of strength. He truly did love the Lord and his response was from his heart showing evidence of true attachment to the Savior. His prior failures had demonstrated his short comings of which he had repented.

           Jesus simply replied in the imperative, "Feed my lambs." The term used means to be a shepherd who feeds and protects the young who cannot protect and care for themselves. He was asking Peter to give himself sacrificially to the Lord and accept the commission to boldly preach the Gospel, but also to lead His congregation. These lambs were of the Lord's flock. Peter was to be the Lord's under-shepherd who would care for them in the Lord's absence. Jesus was saying to Peter to prove you love me, feed my sheep. The tone of the Lord's reply did not stress dissatisfaction, but rather His desire in sending Peter forth as His witness. Although most of Israel rejected the Lord there was a harvest to be had and the Lord wanted Peter to reach them and be their shepherd.

           "He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:16)

           Again Jesus asks Peter the same question, but drops the reference to the others. Jesus asks the question with a more personal emphasis "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" Once more Jesus asked Peter did he sacrificially love Him. Being asked the second time implied that Peter's first answer was not sufficient and was lacking. Peter knew he had simply responded that he loved the Lord, but he avoiding the true meaning of the question. It probably caused him distress, but he did not change his answer. Again, Peter's response was the exactly the same. " Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. "

           How many people come under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and inwardly know that God is asking for a complete surrender to obedience to Him and try to avoid the question? They reply casually and outwardly act as if nothing is going on inwardly. They know the Lord is revealing their most inward secret failures and is compelling them to absolute commitment and service. Yet, they resist as if they do not know what the Lord is really asking. With all their strength they resist the Holy Spirit.

           How wonderful it would be and what could be accomplished for the Lord if people to whom He reaches out to, used the same strength to obey Him, rather than to resist the Holy Spirit? How tragic that we can seem to find such a strong will to resist the Lord and have such a hard time simply saying yes to Him to whom we say we love so much.

           The definition of love often used is that it is like grace in having "unmerited favor" or benevolence toward someone. Yet, there is a much better definition which was expressed by Missionary Russell Champlin.

"Love is a desire for and a delight in the well being of the one loved; leading to active and a self sacrificing effort of their behalf."

           Jesus had in His first challenge told Peter to feed His lambs, but this time He used the word sheep meaning those that are more mature, but still in need of a caring shepherd. Jesus was about to leave and return to heaven. He was intrusting His work and His sheep to those who were to carry on His work. The scope of Peter's witness was to involve all, not just those who would be easier to reach and teach, but to those who would be harder also. He was showing Peter the need and calling him to be his steward to take care of his children. The implication was clear, "Peter, if do you love me you will feed my sheep."

           "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

           Peter had denied the Lord three times and now for the third time He poses to Peter the same question. Fully realizing the implication of Christ's tender question Peter was grieved and cut to his heart. Peter's name meant a rock, but was Peter a rock? What happened when the wind blew and the waves came in Peter's life? He was washed away in failure. Peter was weak and he needed to be confronted with his weakness that he overcome his lack of commitment in order to reap the blessings of serving the Lord. Often people overwhelmed by failure and never recover. This passage plainly assures us that need not be the case. The child of God has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and all the resources of God at his disposal so there is no reason to continue in failure. The question is the same as the Lord posed to Peter, "Do you really love me, then accept and commit yourself wholly to my calling."

           God had a plan and purpose for Peter and this was a crucial moment in his life. It was the time of decision. Jesus affectionately had revealed to him his frailty. Peter was at a cross road. His life could go either way. Peter could respond in submission to the wonderful privilege the Lord was offering him to make his life accomplish something eternal. He was being given the opportunity to live a life of service that honors the Savor for His sacrifice for us. What a wonderful thing it is to be challenged and called to service by the Lord. God has made that challenge to everyone who calls Him Savior "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

           Why then did Peter fail? The passage reveals that many have not made that complete surrender to the Lord. They deny their true state and by fooling themselves into thinking that giving consent to the truth and even vigorously defending it is the same thing as giving themselves sacrificially to the Lord. The statement that "I love the Lord with all my heart," is qualified by one's response in a moment when the winds blow. Jesus said it plainly enough in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 15:10 is even clearer, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

           Peter surrendered as is proved by the rest of his life. He made the decision that he would follow Jesus, not in word only, but in total commitment to Him. You can imagine that a great burden was lifted from Peter's shoulders as he surrendered all to the Lord. These were most important words of Peter's life. "kurios su eddo pas su ginosko hot phileo se" "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."

           "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me." (John 21:18-19)

           Peter, from that wonderful day forward, became one of the most firm and unwavering of all the apostles, and thus fully lived up to his name of being a "Petros" rock. He was now a solid and stable believer able to be greatly used of the Lord.

           Peter had just made an emphatic declaration of his love for the Lord Jesus. In the face of this strong commitment to the Lord Jesus tells Peter of the consequences of his dedication would be that he would give his life for Christ. He told Peter while he was young he would be free to go where he wanted, but when he was old that freedom would be lost and his hands would be stretched forth and he would be bound and take he where he did not wish to go. Understanding the method of execution, it was clear to him that he would be put on a cross and be crucified. Tradition says that Peter was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself, because he was he said unworthy to be crucified in the same way as was the Lord.

           "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." (John 21:20-22)

           It seems Peter understood fully what Jesus had said. Certainly being told that he would be crucified was unsettling to Peter, even though the Lord said it would happened in his old age. This can be seen by the fact he turned toward John and asks the Lord how he would die. His question was probably a knee jerk reaction. Jesus simply rebuked him saying that if He wished John to live till He come what is that to thee. Jesus' reply made it clear that how and when John was to die was no consequence to Peter. Peter's responsibility was to follow the Lord. Jesus' reply could also mean that He was telling Peter to follow Him even in the way He had died, that being crucified.

           "Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" (John 21:23)

           How quick people are to are to misunderstand the Lord's words and read into them their prejudges and presuppositions. In concluding this Gospel John corrected the common misunderstanding concerning his death. He did survive to the end of the First Century, but did die in God's time.

           "This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:24-25)

           John proclaims that what he has written he personally attests to. He experienced these things first hand and testifies to their being true. This Gospel was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. John stated the purpose of this Gospel in John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." It is significant that John begins the Gospel declaring the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

           "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4)

           John concludes explaining that this Gospel does not contain all that Jesus did because it would take a great volume of books to record it all. Thus John's statement shows that God has a specific purpose in inspiring this record.

           "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Please use the Arrows to Go to Next or Previous Chapter