John 21
World English Bible
WEB1After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. 2Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. 4But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. 5Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 9So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of one hundred fifty-three great fish. Even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast!” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples after he had risen from the dead. 15So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” 20Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ chest at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” 21Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” 23This saying therefore went out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say to him that he wouldn’t die, but, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?” 24This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true. 25There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.
World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org
Overview
John Chapter 21 serves as a powerful conclusion to the Gospel of John, highlighting the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with the disciples returning to fishing on the Sea of Tiberias, where they encounter a night of unsuccessful fishing. At dawn, Jesus appears on the shore, though the disciples do not initially recognize him. He instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of 153 fish. This event echoes the earlier calling of the disciples and emphasizes Jesus' authority over nature and his provision for their needs. The beloved disciple, often identified as #John, recognizes Jesus, prompting Peter to jump into the water and swim to Him, showcasing Peter's eagerness to be with the Lord.
After sharing a meal of fish and bread, Jesus engages Peter in a profound conversation, asking him three times, 'Do you love me?' This exchange not only reinstates Peter after his denial but also commissions him to 'feed my sheep,' highlighting the importance of love and service in the life of a disciple. Jesus then foretells Peter's future, indicating the cost of discipleship and the manner of his death, which ultimately glorifies God. The chapter concludes with a reminder of the vastness of Jesus' works, affirming that the Gospel of John is just a glimpse of the fullness of Christ's ministry. This chapter encapsulates themes of restoration, love, and the call to discipleship, encouraging believers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. #Peter #Discipleship #Resurrection
Referenced by
- Luke 5:4-6v6In both Luke 5:4-6 and John 21:6, Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. This demonstrates Jesus' authority over nature and His ability to provide abundantly.
- Luke 22:31-32v15In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus predicts Peter's denial but also his restoration, which is fulfilled in John 21:15-17 when Jesus reinstates Peter.
- 1 Peter 5:2v161 Peter 5:2 exhorts elders to shepherd the flock of God willingly, which echoes Jesus' command to Peter in John 21:16 to 'tend my sheep,' emphasizing pastoral care and responsibility.
Topics in this chapter
- Restoration
- Forgiveness
- Discipleship
- Peter
- Provision
- Leadership
- Love
- Jesus
- Miracles
- Martyrdom
- Obedience
- Resurrection
- Service
- Shepherd
- The Great Commission
- Apostle
- Beloved Disciple
- Contentment
- Faith
- Faithfulness
- Miracles
- Sacrifice
- Sovereignty of God
- Trust
- Witness
- 153 Fish
- Accountability
- Agapao
- Bosko
- Calling
- Charcoal Fire
- Christian Art
- Christian Literature
- Christian Music
- Commitment
- Comparison of the Old and New Testaments
- Discipleship
- Eschatology
- Feed My Sheep
- Focus on Christ
- Following Jesus
- Future
- Galilee
- Glory
- God's Plan
- Grace
- Great Commission
- Hope
- Humility
- Hymn
- Individual Calling
- Jesus' Authority
- John
- Love and Service
- Ministry of Jesus
- Mission
- Ordination
- Pastoral Care
- Peter's Reinstatement
- Peter's Restoration
- Phileo
- Poimaino (Shepherding)
- Prayer
- Reconciliation
- Redemption
- Responsibility
- Responsive Reading
- Resurrection Appearance
- Sea of Galilee
- Sea of Tiberias
- Shepherding
- Suffering
- The Gospel
- Thomas
- Trusting God
Related chapters
- Luke 5Sea of GalileeJohnDiscipleship
- 1 Peter 5ShepherdingPastoral CareOrdination
- John 20Sea of TiberiasResurrection AppearanceThomas
- John 13Beloved DiscipleJohnDiscipleship
- Luke 22DiscipleshipPeterChristian Music
- Matthew 4GalileeCallingChristian Music
- Mark 16Peter's RestorationThe Great CommissionGreat Commission
- Matthew 10The Great CommissionGreat CommissionDiscipleship
- Acts 2Great CommissionPeterMission
- Matthew 28Great CommissionGalileeChristian Music
- Matthew 9Sea of GalileeGreat CommissionDiscipleship
- Luke 9Focus on ChristJohnDiscipleship
Your study
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