Devotional Questions:
John 21:15-17
- What can I learn about God’s perspective on my failures through Jesus’ interaction with Peter?
- How do I usually react to my failures, and in what ways do I need to change this?
- What can I learn about God’s calling to “take care of my sheep” from the fact that Jesus asks this of Peter, who had denied and failed him?
John 21:18-19
- What did Jesus predict would happen to Peter?
- How might this picture have differed from what Peter had in mind when he first answered the call to follow Jesus?
- In what way is the contrast between the time when one is “young” and “old” in v. 18 an apt description of Christian maturity? In what ways have I grown in allowing others to lead me where I do not want to go?
- Using the same words with which he first called Peter to discipleship, Jesus again commands Peter to “follow me.” How might these words take on new and deeper meaning after everything that happened?
- What are the costs in my life to follow Jesus? Are there ways that Jesus is asking me to follow him in a deeper way?
John 21:20-23
- What is odd about Peter’s question in v. 21 in light of Jesus’ invitation to “follow me?”
- What can I learn from Jesus’ response to Peter’s question?
- Are there ways I am looking to others to determine for myself what it means to follow Jesus rather than looking to His word?
Additional Questions:
John 21:1-3
“‘Afterward’ implies an indefinite lapse of time (cf. 2:12; 3:22; 5:1, 14; 6:1; 7:1; 11:7, 11; 13:7; 19:28, 38), but not always a long time. Since this event is categorized as Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples after the Resurrection (21:14), it must have taken place between the beginning of the second week and the Ascension.”[1]
- Why may have Peter gone back to fishing even after witnessing the resurrection?
- What is the significance of the disciples going back to fishing and catching nothing (cf. Mark 1:16-17)?
- What do I do when I experience disappointment or failure?
John 21:4-7
- How was “the disciple whom Jesus loved” able to recognize Jesus on the shore (cf. Luke 5:1-10)?
- What events have there been in my life of which I can say, “it [was] the Lord?” How does remembering history bring clarity in my relationship with God?
[1] Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor’s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter 21.
Commentary:
Introduction “The fishing miracle of chapter 21 is not a sign for unbelievers, compelling them to believe in the resurrected Christ. Chapter 21 is an epilogue addressed to the church and its responsibilities and work in the world. The principal story in the chapter — the great catch of fish and Jesus’ subsequent conversation around the morning fire — reinforces the apostolic commission to take responsibility for those who come into the kingdom of Christ. Peter is to be fisherman and shepherd; some followers even may be called to be martyrs, but each has a task to glorify God by obediently following Jesus.”[1]
vv. 7-17 “When Peter learned that it was Jesus who had done this — the fishing-miracle-worker Jesus — it is no accident that he ran to the shore. He ran to the only one who could heal his memories, who could rewrite the terrible pictures and sounds of his recent past — the courtyard, the charcoal fire, the young woman. The miracle demonstrated that despite Peter’s failings, Jesus was still on his side, cooking a good meal for friends, having fun filling nets with fish. Then the invitation to affirm his love three times drowned out the echoes of his betrayal that haunted him. The last time Peter stood over a charcoal fire, he denied Jesus (18:18). Now Jesus makes him stand over another charcoal fire (21:9) and with it, review old memories and remove them.”[2]
vv. 15-17 “The story of Peter’s reconciliation to Jesus is a story of Peter’s healing. It is no accident that Peter, the man who denied Jesus three times following a bravado-filled promise of faithfulness, now affirms his love for Christ three times.”[3]
“Peter’s restoration to Christ makes possible his service to the church. Jesus’ command to feed and tend his sheep becomes Peter’s mandate for life. He affirms his love for Jesus, but now he understands that this means a great deal more. […] To be in a relationship with Christ and to love him genuinely means that we must also love the church.”[4]
v. 18 “This language points clearly to crucifixion; the Greek word used here was used by many early Christian writers to represent death on the cross. […] In old age, Peter will not be “dressed” (NIV), but ‘bound’, as many victims were ‘fastened’ with ropes to the cross. Those who lead him will not be charitable, but will force him to go where he does not want to.”[5]
vv. 20-22 “The gentle rivalry between Peter and the Beloved Disciple reaches its peak in this chapter. We do not have enough information to probe beneath the surface to learn what transpired between these two men. But in 21:21 Peter finally unmasks his feelings: “Lord, what about him? What about this other man on the margin of our conversation? Will his death rival mine in bringing you glory?” Jesus’ rebuke is a rebuke to each of us.”[6]
[1] Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 592.
[2] Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 596.
[3] Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 593.
[4] Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 598.
[5] Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 589.
[6] Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 593.