The Gospel of John: John 21.1-25

Read and meditate on John 21.1-6.
Jesus interrupts a fishing party to remind His disciples of the real fishing to which they’ve been called.

                                      ¹Now after these
things, Jesus showed Himself beside the sea
to His disciples. Here is how it went:
²When Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin),
and two disciples more had gathered, ³then
said Peter, “I am going fishing.” And
they all said, “We are going also.” So
immediately, they went out in the boat,
but that night they caught nothing. ⁴When the day
came, Jesus stood there on shore, but they
did not know it was He. ⁵He called out to
them, “Children, have you landed any food?”
They answered, “No.” ⁶He said to them, “Now cast
your net out on the right, and then at last
you will catch fish.” And so they did, and then
they caught so great a multitude, that when
they tried to draw the net in, they could not.

- John 21.1-6

Reflect
1.  We should not fault the disciples for going fishing, as though Peter and the others had given up on their mandate to fish for men, and were reverting to their former vocations. They are no longer in Jerusalem, but Galilee (John calls the sea Tiberius, because, writing late in the first century, that’s how it come to be known). Why do you suppose Jesus chose to make Himself known to the disciples here, and at just this time? Complete this prayer: Lord, let me never lose sight of the fact that You have called me to…

2.  John is specific about five of the participants in this fishing party, three of whom he names, while two he leaves unnamed. We should ask why. First, why do you think he mentions Thomas? Would it be important for John to mention that, despite his doubting, Thomas was still one of the disciples? How should we be encouraged by this? I doubt sometimes, Lord, and sometimes I simply deny or disobey You, so I’m…

3.  Now let’s think about Peter. Look at Luke 5.1-11. Why would this setting have been apt for Jesus to make Himself known to Peter? Why might He have wanted to do so? Are any particular places, people, or events associated with your coming to faith in Jesus? Do you think it might be a good idea to revisit those occasionally, even if only in prayer? Explain. Thank You, Lord for the people who helped come to Jesus, especially…

4.  What about Nathanael? Where did Jesus first encounter him (Jn. 1.43ff)? Do you suppose Nathanael might have recalled Jesus’ promise about seeing greater things (Jn. 1.50)? How might this have affected him? Lord, bring to my mind promises that You have made, so that…

5.  Finally, this episode recalls a variety of Jesus’ works, which He did with or before His disciples during His earthly sojourn. How many can you think of? Do you suppose the disciples might have recalled some of those miracles as well? Would this have affected them positively? Is it a good idea to maintain “memorials” concerning important points in our walk with the Lord, and to recall those from time to time? How can doing this help us in our walk with and work for the Lord? Bring together into one the prayers you composed for questions 1-4.

Summary
“Having then nothing to do, they went fishing, and they did this at night because they were terribly frightened. Luke also mentions this, but this is not the same occasion. And the other disciples followed because from that time on they were bound to one another, and at the same time desired to see the fishing and use their leisure time well. While they were working and tired, Jesus presents himself before them and does not reveal himself all at once so that they enter into conversation with him.” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

Jesus appeared to His disciples many times during the 40 days following His resurrection until He ascended to heaven (cf. Acts 1.1-11). This one, however, seems deliberately contrived to accomplish several purposes. Explain.

Closing Prayer
I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16.7-11

Psalm 16.7-11 (All to Christ: Jesus Paid It All)
I bless Your Name, O Lord; my mind instructs each night;
You teach me by Your Word and guide me in the right.
    Make me know life’s way; pleasures fill Your hand;
    Fill my life with joy each day! Before Your face I stand.

You are ever with me, Lord; in You I shall not fall.
But rejoicing in Your Word, I abide within Your call.
    Make me know life’s way; pleasures fill Your hand;
    Fill my life with joy each day! Before Your face I stand.

Soon Your glory I shall see, for as Jesus rose again,
You will come to gather me to my home with You in heav’n.
    Make me know life’s way; pleasures fill Your hand;
    Fill my life with joy each day! Before Your face I stand.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.