< John 21 >

Jesus met again with his disciples, this time in Galilee, where he performed a miracle which represents the events to take place when he returns from heaven. The apostles fished all night v.3,John 21:3XWaiting for response and they were the ones appointed by Jesus to be “fishers of men”. Without Jesus they caught nothing so he helped them fill the net with fish v.6John 21:6XWaiting for response and, likewise, by obeying his command they have caught a great multitude of men and women in the gospel net. These will be brought to Jesus in the morning when the night of the world’s history comes to an end. Jesus performed a similar miracle at the beginning of his ministry, but on that occasion the net broke (Luke 5:6)Luke 5:6XWaiting for response to represent the fact that not all who are called are faithful and will be chosen. But on this final occasion all the fish were brought safely to shore because they represent the redeemed who will be accepted by Jesus and will eat a meal with him in the kingdom of God v.13John 21:13XWaiting for response (Luke 12:37).Luke 12:37XWaiting for response

After the meal, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him vs.15-17John 21:15-17XWaiting for response and Peter was greatly distressed because this echoed his threefold denial of Jesus a few days earlier. Peter did truly love Jesus and was forgiven for his denial because he was completely repentant and was thereafter a fervent and courageous servant of the Lord. He did feed Jesus’ sheep as the Lord instructed v.17John 21:17XWaiting for response and followed him v.19John 21:19XWaiting for response even to death by crucifixion vs.18-19.John 21:18-19XWaiting for response

Peter asked what would happen to the disciple whom Jesus loved, but Jesus said he was not to know but if it was Jesus’ desire for him to remain alive until he returned then this would happen v.22.John 21:22XWaiting for response These words were misunderstood by others v.23.John 21:23XWaiting for response

John could have written much more in his Gospel than he did, then all the libraries of the world at that time could not have contained all the scrolls required v.25.John 21:25XWaiting for response We should be grateful to God for inspiring John to write what he did because by believing his words we can have life through Jesus’ name.