John 21
John 21 serves as an epilogue to the Gospel of John, recounting a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee). Here, Jesus performs a miraculous catch of fish, reinstates Peter after his earlier denials, and emphasizes the cost of discipleship. This chapter highlights Jesus’ continued guidance for His disciples, the grace of forgiveness, and the commitment required to follow Him.
John 21:1-10 (NKJV)
1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:
2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.
3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.
8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.
9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
In these verses, the disciples return to fishing, perhaps out of uncertainty about their future roles. Jesus, appearing on the shore, calls them "children" and guides them to a miraculous catch, symbolizing how success in their mission depends on following His direction. The overwhelming catch recalls an earlier miracle and affirms His identity. Peter’s eagerness to reach Jesus first reflects his deep love and need for reconciliation. The scene prepares for a significant conversation about love, forgiveness, and purpose.
John 21:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.
13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
The miraculous catch of exactly 153 fish may signify the vast scope of the disciples' mission. Jesus invites them to eat with Him, emphasizing fellowship and provision. The disciples’ awe-filled silence underlines their recognition of Jesus’ resurrected form. This shared meal strengthens their bond and reassures them of His care, just as He had provided for them during His ministry.
John 21:15 (NKJV)
15 So when they had eaten 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 love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
Jesus begins Peter’s reinstatement by asking about his love. By asking if Peter loves Him "more than these" (possibly referring to the other disciples or to his former occupation of fishing), Jesus probes Peter’s devotion. Peter affirms his love, and Jesus commissions him to “Feed My lambs,” symbolizing a call to pastoral care and leadership.
John 21:16 (NKJV)
16 He 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 love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
In a second question, Jesus reaffirms Peter’s role. The shift from “Feed My lambs” to “Tend My sheep” emphasizes care and guidance. By repeating the question, Jesus lovingly challenges Peter to examine his commitment, inviting him to a deeper and more dedicated role in shepherding His followers.
John 21:17 (NKJV)
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
The third question mirrors Peter’s three denials, allowing him to affirm his love fully and symbolically erasing his past failures. Peter’s grief at the repetition reveals his deep remorse, yet Jesus’ command to “Feed My sheep” confirms his restored position. This commissioning marks Peter’s renewed purpose to serve and strengthen the early Church.
John 21:18-19 (NKJV)
18 “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Jesus forewarns Peter about the cost of discipleship, predicting his martyrdom. “Stretch out your hands” alludes to crucifixion, a future Peter will face for the sake of the Gospel. Despite this, Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” challenges Peter to embrace his mission with courage, modeling faithful discipleship even unto death.
John 21:20-23 (NKJV)
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”
Peter’s curiosity about John’s future is gently rebuked by Jesus, who redirects Peter’s focus to his own calling. Jesus emphasizes that each disciple’s path is unique and that Peter must not compare his journey to others. This teaching underscores the importance of individual obedience and trust in God’s plan for each person.
John 21:24-25 (NKJV)
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
John concludes by affirming the truth of his Gospel and acknowledging the vastness of Jesus’ works, which cannot be fully recorded. This final statement invites readers to realize the boundless impact of Jesus’ life and ministry, inspiring faith that goes beyond written words.