John 21:1-14
(Some thoughts are adopted from Pastor Wiersbe commentary on Gospel of John)
Foremost question comes to my mind is why did Apostle John write the 21st chapter.
He could have ended with 20th chapter with Lord appearing to Thomas.
First reason is that the resurrection appearances helped the disciples understand who Lord Jesus was and to see that HE was the fulfillment of Scripture (OT).
The second reason could be to let the readers know the restorations of Peter to the apostleship as well as the leader of the disciples.
Third reason is to arrest all rumors concerning John being living until the Lord’s return.
Fourth reason is to usher into the next book that is Acts of the Apostles Peter leading the way along with John as his assistant.
Fifth reason is how the 21 century Christian can relate to the risen Lord.
THE SETTING (1-3)
John did not want to end at Jerusalem but he dragged us to Sea of Galilee where their discipleship started – a beautiful setting for the closure.
There the Lord appeared to the 7 disciples – out of them 6 were fishermen.
I am not a professional fisherman but fishing is recreational sport for me.
But I have learnt many things as I visited California piers for fishing – patience – perseverance – do not quit easily – dedicated and always have anticipation and expectation for catching fish.
It is different with professional fishermen who go out deep into the waters.
They required not only having all the above but also need to be courageous and tough to deal with the changing weather situations and risks in the deep waters.
Now I understand why the Lord Jesus chose fishermen to be HIS pillar apostles.
THE MIRACLE (4-6)
The disciples did not recognize the Lord standing on the shore.
Luke 5 describes the same type of event with some contrast.
In Luke, Lord was in the boat with them physically.
Here HE was standing on the shore in HIS glorified body.
HE allowed HIS disciples to see HIS glorified body after resurrection for the main reason that the disillusioned disciples to believe in HIS resurrection.
Today, the Lord is standing beside us through Holy Spirit whom we cannot see.
Lord Jesus is there with us every step of the way because HE lives in our hearts.
THE REALIZATION (7-8)
John was the closest to the Lord and he recognized the Lord first because he loved the Lord so much and stood with HIM even at the time of Lord’s death.
The response of Peter is also contrasting with Lukan account in chapter 5.
In Luke, Peter begged the Lord to depart from him for he was a sinful man.
Here, he wraps his coat and jumps into the water to meet the Lord on shore.
THE BREAKFAST (9-14)
Lord of the universe makes the breakfast for HIS disciples – HE is in HIS glorified body.
The disciples were the most blessed people on earth to have fellowship with HIM as HE served them breakfast.
Verse 13 echoes the Lord’s Supper and also feeding 5000 thousand.
It opened their eyes to see the risen Lord clearly with physical and spiritual eyes.
As we have seen from the beginning the focus is on Peter.
For the Lord it was very necessary for HIM to restore Peter back to the leadership.
Indirectly Peter was pushed into the forefront to realize that he had to face the Lord after his denial of HIM before crucifixion.
Nobody dare to ask the Lord who are you?
The miracle explained and affirmed the presence of the risen Lord with them.
This is third time the Lord appeared to HIS disciples after resurrection.
Today we don’t ask who are you when we know that the Lord is with us.
We know HIM because we love HIM like Apostle John.
(Some thoughts are adopted from Pastor Wiersbe commentary on Gospel of John)
Foremost question comes to my mind is why did Apostle John write the 21st chapter.
He could have ended with 20th chapter with Lord appearing to Thomas.
First reason is that the resurrection appearances helped the disciples understand who Lord Jesus was and to see that HE was the fulfillment of Scripture (OT).
The second reason could be to let the readers know the restorations of Peter to the apostleship as well as the leader of the disciples.
Third reason is to arrest all rumors concerning John being living until the Lord’s return.
Fourth reason is to usher into the next book that is Acts of the Apostles Peter leading the way along with John as his assistant.
Fifth reason is how the 21 century Christian can relate to the risen Lord.
THE SETTING (1-3)
John did not want to end at Jerusalem but he dragged us to Sea of Galilee where their discipleship started – a beautiful setting for the closure.
There the Lord appeared to the 7 disciples – out of them 6 were fishermen.
I am not a professional fisherman but fishing is recreational sport for me.
But I have learnt many things as I visited California piers for fishing – patience – perseverance – do not quit easily – dedicated and always have anticipation and expectation for catching fish.
It is different with professional fishermen who go out deep into the waters.
They required not only having all the above but also need to be courageous and tough to deal with the changing weather situations and risks in the deep waters.
Now I understand why the Lord Jesus chose fishermen to be HIS pillar apostles.
THE MIRACLE (4-6)
The disciples did not recognize the Lord standing on the shore.
Luke 5 describes the same type of event with some contrast.
In Luke, Lord was in the boat with them physically.
Here HE was standing on the shore in HIS glorified body.
HE allowed HIS disciples to see HIS glorified body after resurrection for the main reason that the disillusioned disciples to believe in HIS resurrection.
Today, the Lord is standing beside us through Holy Spirit whom we cannot see.
Lord Jesus is there with us every step of the way because HE lives in our hearts.
THE REALIZATION (7-8)
John was the closest to the Lord and he recognized the Lord first because he loved the Lord so much and stood with HIM even at the time of Lord’s death.
The response of Peter is also contrasting with Lukan account in chapter 5.
In Luke, Peter begged the Lord to depart from him for he was a sinful man.
Here, he wraps his coat and jumps into the water to meet the Lord on shore.
THE BREAKFAST (9-14)
Lord of the universe makes the breakfast for HIS disciples – HE is in HIS glorified body.
The disciples were the most blessed people on earth to have fellowship with HIM as HE served them breakfast.
Verse 13 echoes the Lord’s Supper and also feeding 5000 thousand.
It opened their eyes to see the risen Lord clearly with physical and spiritual eyes.
As we have seen from the beginning the focus is on Peter.
For the Lord it was very necessary for HIM to restore Peter back to the leadership.
Indirectly Peter was pushed into the forefront to realize that he had to face the Lord after his denial of HIM before crucifixion.
Nobody dare to ask the Lord who are you?
The miracle explained and affirmed the presence of the risen Lord with them.
This is third time the Lord appeared to HIS disciples after resurrection.
Today we don’t ask who are you when we know that the Lord is with us.
We know HIM because we love HIM like Apostle John.
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