John 21 reminds me of break ups. Most relationships end when one person decides they do not want to continue. That always happens mentally long before the words are spoken. This chapter is for those on the verge of quitting. We begin with several of the disciples gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was sometime after Jesus had appeared to them. Absence does not always make the heart grow fonder. Peter blurted out, “I’m going out to fish”. Perhaps he was considering going back to his old life. Sadly, people can be “gone” while sitting the same room. The others also “went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing”. Feeling rejected can impact our productivity in every other aspect of our life. We read, “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus”. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” I believe one of the many purposes of God’s Word is to help us recognize when we are falling short of His best. Jesus called again, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some”. It is also important to recognize that His Word includes clear instruction for success. “They were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” Sometimes we can spot divine intervention. John declared, “It is the Lord!” Peter acted without hesitation, “he wrapped his outer garment around him… and jumped into the water” leaving the others to tow in the net full of fish. Our reaction when surprised often reveals our truest emotion.
It is important to remember that days earlier Peter had publicly denied knowing Jesus. When they landed, they saw a fire of coals with fish and bread waiting. Jesus instructed them to “Bring some of the fish you have just caught”. Mending a relationship requires both sides contribute. Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast”, but John adds, “None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’” While I believe Jesus retained the scars and disfigurement from the atonement, I also believe this represents the doubt in every once-burned partner. John adds, “They knew it was the Lord” because this was the third time He appeared to them.
The chapter continues with a relationship restoring conversation. After eating, Jesus asked Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” Notice Jesus called him by his formal family name, describing Peter’s unstable youth. I believe Jesus is contrasting Peter’s former life to his new life as fisher of men. Peter responded, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You”. Jesus said, “Feed My lambs”. After a moment, Jesus asked Simon the same question again; and Peter responded the same way. Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep”. I suspect Peter waited in silence, fully aware what was coming. Jesus asked him a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” I have no doubt that Peter remembered his three denials of Jesus. He answered with emotion, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You”. Jesus said, “Feed My sheep”. Mending a relationship requires a discussion about the cause of the tear. Without repentance, we remain stuck in the past. Jesus instead gave Peter a promise for the future, “when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go”. History tells us that Peter died a martyr glorifying God to the end. Jesus invited Peter to put aside every other passion and, “Follow Me!” Peter cannot help but compare himself to John, “Lord, what about him?” Do you enviously look at others, believing they have something you do not? Jesus told Peter, “What is that to you? You must follow Me”. This is the answer for us as well. Jesus wants our whole heart. My friend, is it time to stop fooling around with your past failure? John concludes his gospel with a promise that, “his testimony is true”. Please don’t quit.