John-Beachside Breakfast
Orient John 21:1-25
The final chapter of John, the book concludes with an appearance of Jesus to Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and Joh, and two other unnamed disciples. The men were fishing and Jesus calls them to shore for a meal. In this chapter, a well-known dialog between Jesus and Peter occurs where Peter reaffirms his loyalty to Jesus which serves as a parallel to his trice denial. The book then ends differently than the synoptic gospels, without the resurrection story but a brief conclusion by the disciple John.
Introduction
I’m a fan of reality shows. I think it all started in the early 2000’s with American Idol. I love seeing non-celebrity reactions to extreme situations. One I’ve watched for many years is the show Survivor. A classic scene in most seasons finds the tribe members sitting around a fire eating fish as it is commonly one of the natural food sources available. Though dressed differently, I have the same picture in my head when reading today’s final story through the gospel of John. A simple meal around a fire, eating freshly cooked fish with your hands, sitting in groups of 2 or 3 talking in awe about Jesus being with you. Enjoying the gift of His presence and the warm salty food while the waves of the Sea of Tiberius rhythmically break to shore in the background. This setting calms the senses and our hearts as we read of the conversation between Peter and Jesus. He forgives Peter and by extension us for the times we’ve denied Him. Jesus doesn’t shame Peter but charges His rock to stay strong through the building of His church. As you read today, reflect on what Jesus is calling you to.
Opening Prayer
Jesus, let me hear Your voice today and recognize You in places I don’t expect You to be. Let my love for You be pure and vibrant. Let me show my love to You by caring for Your church. My heart’s desire is to follow You where you lead me. Show me the way as I read Your word today. Let it direct my steps. Amen
Meditation
Read and reread the following passage, taking God’s word in deeply. As you do be sensitive to a phrase or verse the Holy Spirit emphasizes to you personally.
21 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 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 will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a] off.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers[b] that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Paraphrase
Rewrite the phrase or verse that the Holy Spirit highlighted during meditation. What is your take away?
Reflect
1. This chapter centers around the connection between Peter and Jesus. It seems Jesus’s appearance is to build up the rock that He will build His church on[1]. The same way He is introduced to Peter in chapter 5 is the way we see Jesus reengage with Peter at the book’s close. Peter is fishing and Jesus tells him, a full-time commercial fisherman, how to fish. Jesus shows up for us in the normal rhythms of life and not just supernatural experiences. How has Jesus connected with you in those moments?
2. I admire Peter’s reaction to recognizing Jesus. At his last he denied Jesus. If it were me, I would have stayed withdrawn on the boat, feeling regret and shame. Instead he jumps in to swim to Jesus. This is why I think Jesus picked Peter to lead the disciples who would found His global church—Peter understood grace. The gospel is good news because the reality is we are constantly unfaithful and Jesus wants us to come directly to Him when we fail. Do you understand the grace of God the way Peter does? In your sin, to you hide from or run to Jesus?
3. Jesus deserves our praise for the way He provides for us. We often think of the atonement of Christ on the cross but this story shows that not only does He provide for reconciliation with God but our meets our physical needs as well. He makes the disciples breakfast after a night out fishing. Lately my evening prayers have consisted of thanking God for all that He’s done for me that day. It is such a joy to realize all the good things He is doing, especially in dark times. Spend some time thanking Jesus for His simple gifts.
4. Jesus is the Chief Shephard and cares for us by appointing subordinate shepherds. The sheep belong to Jesus, not Peter; he is only a steward of the love of Jesus. You may be a leader in the body of Christ; are you feeding His sheep? No matter what your role, we all the mutual responsibility to care for one another. Are you appreciative of godly leadership in your church family? Consider sending a thank you today to someone building into your life.
5. After Peter find out the plans Jesus has for him , he asks about John’s destiny. Jesus replies (my paraphrase) to not worry about the plans God has for other people but focus on following Him. When have you taken your eyes off yourself and worried about other Christians? What was the result?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, You know just how to speak with me. You do it in a way that is personal and shows how You know me intimately. When I stray from You, draw me back to You without shame. My sins were nailed to your hands and feet. You’ve won my freedom and desire to lavish grace upon me. Thank You for Your provision in setting me free from sin and all the little things You do to care for me. One way You love me is putting people in my life who feed me. Thank You for (insert names here) who care for me. Minister to them and encourage them. When I am tempted to meddle in another’s faith, let me remember they are Your servant and You are the one who directs their path.
Continue praying personally to the Lord with what He showed you during mediation and reflection.
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