v. 3 I am going out to fish. At this point, Peter didn’t know what to do. The tomb is empty. Jesus has made an appearance to his disciples, but where is He now? I am sure He is in absolute knots. He wants to believe, but he also knows his own betrayal and denial of Jesus. What should he do? He does the only thing he knows how – back to fishing. We often find ourselves going back to our own comfort patterns and ruts when we become spiritually disillusioned. Peter ran to fish. Where do you run when things don’t make sense, and you are feeling the burden of disappointment and guilt? Peter eventually learned to run to Jesus – “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).”
v. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus. How many times has Jesus been right there in our midst, but we didn’t recognize him?
v. 6 (Jesus) said, “Throw your nets on the right side of the boat, and you will find some (fish).” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. I think we are supposed to see a parable here. As the disciples listen to Jesus, he leads them to full nets. This is a picture of evangelism – lost souls in need of God. Jesus is a lot more interested in catching men than he is in catching fish. He wants to lead his disciples on a much greater fishing expedition, and he wants our nets to be filled – with a harvest of souls.
v. 7 he wrapped his outer garment around him and jumped into the water. When Peter realized it was Jesus on the shore, nothing could hold him back. He jumped out of the boat and headed for shore. Did he walk on water this time? I don’t know, but he was sure in a hurry to get to Jesus. He soul was too restless to stay in the boat. He had unfinished business to take care of with Jesus. He needed healing. He needed restoration.
v. 16 Simon son of John, do you truly love me? This is the greatest question ever – do you love Jesus? Do you love him? Jesus asked Peter this three times. Peter was hurt that Jesus asked three times, but the reality is that Peter now has declared his love for Jesus 3 times after having denied Jesus three times earlier. It was a complete restoration.
v. 15 Feed my lambs… v. 16 Take care of my sheep… v. 17 Feed my sheep… In the end, Jesus called Peter to become a shepherd, just like Him. Remember John 10 where Jesus said He was the good shepherd, and he looked after his sheep. Now Jesus is calling a broken fishermen, who had just denied Him, to go and become a shepherd as well. Peter was broken by his own failure, but Jesus healed him. And He called him to go now and love others. Do you think Peter had greater compassion for others in the future because of his own denial of Jesus. I think He probably became a better shepherd to others in the long run. If Jesus can take a broken fisherman, and use him to change the world – why can’t he use you? Do you love Him? do you love Him? Do yo love Him? Feed his sheep. Love others. Lead them to Jesus.
v. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. I love this verse. We have a great sample of the amazing works of Jesus recorded in John as well as Matthew, Mark and Luke. But there would not be enough room if all that he had done had been written. And the work of Jesus continues today. He is alive and well. We are invited into the story. We are invited to see Jesus work in us, around us, and through us. Wouldn’t it be cool to say that there were simply not enough space in the world to write down all that Jesus has done in our lives? It could happen, you know. For the life truly surrendered to Him. Much love. Thanks for spending some time with me, John, and Jesus.