The Gospel of John: John 21.1-25

Read and meditate on John 21.7-11.
This almost comedic scene is full of pathos and hope.

⁷Thus, when he saw the many fish they caught,
the one whom Jesus loved to Peter said,
“It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard
it was the Lord, he put his garment on
(he had removed it), and abruptly plunged
into the sea. ⁸Meanwhile, the rest came in
the little boat (they were not from the land
so far away), and dragged with them the haul
of fish which they had caught. ⁹And when they all
arrived on shore, a fire was burning, laid
on it were fish, and bread. ¹⁰Then Jesus said,
“Bring here some of the fish which you have caught.”
¹¹So Simon Peter dragged the net, all taut
and full of fish (153,
to be exact) to land – so many that
the net should have been broken, but
it was not.

- John 21.7-11

Reflect
1.  Evidently John – only barely disguising himself out of humility – was the first to understand what was happening here. How do you suppose John reached the conclusion he announced to Peter? When Jesus is present and His Word is working, should we expect to see certain effects? Such as? Complete this prayer: Lord Jesus, be at work in me, so that there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that…

2.  How should we understand Peter’s response to John’s comment? This seems a little hasty, if not silly, don’t you think? But is something more urgent and serious at work here? Is there counsel for us in Peter’s response to the knowledge that Jesus was here and at work? Lord Jesus, let me never hesitate to…

3.  The other six disciples were left “holding the bag,” so to speak. Why do you suppose they didn’t thrown themselves into the sea and start swimming madly to Jesus? John was with them, although he probably hadn’t told them what he told Peter (we can guess why!). What were these fishermen thinking? At all times, Lord, the work you’ve given us to do – our jobs, homes, and other kinds of work – are exactly where you want us to…

4.  A warm fire and breakfast (v. 4) await the disciples as they come to shore. Who had prepared this? What does it tell us about Jesus’ resurrection body that He could do this? What do you make of Jesus’ inviting the disciples to bring some of their fish to the meal? Thank You, Lord, that You always provide just what we need, and You are always willing to use what…

5. John mentions that there were so many fish in the net that it should have broken, but did not. When Jesus is at work, ordinary things get stretched beyond their typical limits, so that they can do the work Jesus intends for them. Apply that to your daily life in your Personal Mission Field. Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote from questions 1-4.

Summary
“The question also arises as to why, after his resurrection, the Lord stood on the shore while his disciples were laboring in the sea, when before his resurrection he walked on the waves of the sea in his disciples’ sight.… What does the sea indicate but this present age, which is tossed about by the uproar of circumstances and the waves of this corruptible life? What does the solidity of the shore signify but the uninterrupted continuity of eternal peace? Therefore since the disciples were still held in the waves of this mortal life, they were laboring on the sea. But since our Redeemer had already passed beyond his perishable body, after his resurrection he stood on the shore.” Gregory the Great (540-604 AD)

This entire episode can be seen as a prophecy of the life and work of the Church following the ascension to glory of our Lord. Explain.

Closing Prayer
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the LORD
In the land of the living.
I believed, therefore I spoke,
“I am greatly afflicted.”
I said in my haste,
“All men are liars.”
What shall I render to the LORD
For all His benefits toward me?
I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the LORD.
I will pay my vows to the LORD
Now in the presence of all His people.

Psalm 116.5-14

Psalm 116.4-14 (Mit Freuden Zart: All Praise to God Who Reigns Above)
I called to God, “O Lord, I pray, my soul redeem with favor!”
The Lord is gracious in His way, and righteous is our Savior.
His mercy to the simple flies; He lifted me up to the skies –
I rest in Him forever!

Full well the Lord has dealt with me; my soul from death He delivered.
My weeping eyes, my stumbling feet, He has redeemed forever.
Forever I before His face shall walk with those who know His grace,
And dwell with them forever.

Afflicted, I believe His Word, though lying men would undo me.
What shall I render to the Lord for all His blessings to me?
Salvation’s cup I lift above and call upon the God of love
And pay my vows most truly.

T. M. Moore

Are you a bringer of joy? Our book Joy to Your World! can get you on track for knowing and sharing the joy of Jesus. Order a copy for yourself and a friend by clicking here.

We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

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.