John 21
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – Peter’s Restoration and Commission This section describes how Jesus restores Peter after Peter’s denial, and gives him an important job among the disciples. After breakfast by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him, matching the three times Peter had denied him. Each time, Jesus gives Peter a task to take care of his followers, like a shepherd cares for sheep. This shows Jesus’ forgiveness, and how those who have failed can still be used by God.v. 15: After they had finished eating, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter in front of the other disciples. He asked, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Jesus was reminding Peter of his earlier promise to never leave Jesus, even if all the others did (Matthew 26:33 a). Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my lambs.” This means Peter should take care of the young believers and help them grow in faith. v. 16: Jesus asked Peter a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter answered again, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” This means Peter should guide and care for all the followers of Jesus, not just the young ones. Jesus was showing that Peter should be a leader who cares for others. v. 17: Jesus asked Peter a third time, “Do you love me?” Peter felt sad because Jesus asked him three times. Peter replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” In these three questions, Jesus was giving Peter a chance to say he loved him, just as Peter had denied him three times. Jesus was forgiving Peter and giving him back his place as a leader. He wanted Peter to take care of all believers, to teach and guide them like a good shepherd. v. 18: Jesus told Peter that when he was young, he could go wherever he wanted. But when he got older, others would take him where he did not want to go. This was a way of telling Peter about the kind of death he would suffer for following Jesus. Jesus was preparing Peter to be brave and faithful, even if it meant dying for his faith (John 13:36 b). v. 19: Jesus said all this to show what kind of death Peter would have, and how it would bring glory to God. Then Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me!” Jesus was inviting Peter to continue being his disciple, even after all that had happened. This call to “follow me” is for all believers to keep following Jesus faithfully, no matter what comes. Jesus and the Beloved Disciple This section takes place after Jesus has spoken with Peter about his role and future. As they walk together, Peter notices another disciple following them—the one whom Jesus loved (usually understood to be John). Peter’s question to Jesus about this disciple’s future leads to an important teaching from Jesus about following him and not being distracted by God’s plans for others. The section ends with a testimony to the truthfulness of the Gospel account.v. 20: Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the same disciple who had leaned back against Jesus at the Last Supper and had asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” (John 13:25 c). Peter notices him and is curious about what will happen to him. This shows that even after being called to follow Jesus, we can be distracted by what God is doing in other people’s lives. v. 21: When Peter saw this disciple, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Peter wanted to know what would happen to John, perhaps wondering if he would have the same future or fate. This question reminds us that it is easy to compare ourselves to others, even in our service to God. v. 22: Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Jesus teaches Peter (and us) that our main focus should be on following him personally, not on worrying about the plans God has for others. Each person’s journey with God is unique, and we should not be distracted by comparing ourselves to others or wondering about their future. v. 23: Because of what Jesus said, a rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” This shows how misunderstandings can arise if Jesus’ words are not carefully heard and remembered. It also teaches us to be careful about spreading rumors or making assumptions about God’s plans. v. 24: The writer of the Gospel identifies himself as the disciple who testifies to these things and wrote them down. He affirms that his testimony is true. This helps us trust the account, knowing it comes from someone who was actually there and saw what happened with his own eyes. v. 25: The Gospel concludes by saying that Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, the world itself would not have room for the books that would be written. This reminds us that the life of Jesus was full of amazing works and teachings, far more than any book could contain. It encourages us to keep learning about him and to know that there is always more to discover about Jesus.
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