< 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,Waiting for response for John 21:3 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.6Waiting for response for John 21:6 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)Waiting for response for Luke 5:6 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.13Waiting for response for John 21:13 (Luke 12:37).Waiting for response for Luke 12:37

After the meal, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him vs.15-17Waiting for response for John 21:15-17 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.17Waiting for response for John 21:17 and followed him v.19Waiting for response for John 21:19 even to death by crucifixion vs.18-19.Waiting for response for John 21:18-19

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.Waiting for response for John 21:22 These words were misunderstood by others v.23.Waiting for response for John 21:23

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.Waiting for response for John 21:25 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.