42 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

“After these things, Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way, He showed Himself:“ (John 21:1)

This chapter begins with Jesus’s appearance to seven of His disciples at the seas of Tiberias. However, it is not the first time Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples, for the scripture says, “Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples..”

In the previous appearances, Christ revealed Himself to His disciples when they were gathered on a particular day. It is believed that this was a solemn assembly on the Lord’s Day (The Jewish Sabbath). Therefore, everyone was gathered and possibly expected His appearance. But here, he shows up unannounced when they least expected it.

Furthermore, He chose a random day of the week; nothing as symbolic as His Sabbath appearance. From this verse, we see that Christ can never run out of ways to reveal Himself to His followers. Sometimes it’s in an atmosphere of worship and prayer. Other times, He can choose to make himself known even in the place of business.

One example is the appearance of angels to the shepherds who watched their flocks at night. (Luke 2:8) Again, this visitation can be compared to His next visitation on the Mountain in Galilee. Here, Jesus chose the venue and time; he initiated the meeting (Matthew 28:16). In preparation for this divine encounter with their risen Lord, the disciples made haste after the days of unleavened bread to round off everything they were occupied with, keeping with the time fixed for the assembly.

They must have passed the days before this special appointment in excitement. In this instance, Jesus appeared while they were waiting for Him and ensured that they didn’t get tired of waiting. From this, we can learn that Christ is always as good as His word and often better than His word. As such, He always does more than what we expect and shows up for us as promised.

“Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.” (John 21:2)

It’s good to observe who Lord Jesus chose to reveal Himself. It’s clear that He didn’t manifest Himself to the twelve, only to seven apostles. We can see Nathaniel mentioned, whose name did not reoccur since he met Jesus for the first time in John Chapter 1. Some bible scholars believe that He is the same as Bartholomew, who was one of the twelve. Two disciples in this verse are not named. But they most assuredly are Andrew of Capernaum and Philip of Bethsaida.

In this verse, we can observe that beyond solemn assemblies and days of worship, the disciples of Jesus were together. Indeed, it is a blessed thing for the followers of Christ to spend quality time together having intimate conversations, not just during worship hours and days, but also in everyday activities like a business. Through this means, faithful believers can share and boost their affection towards one another, and in the process, edify one another through their words and lifestyle.

It is worthy of note that Christ showed Himself to them while they were together deliberately. He did this to show the importance of Christian society. But much more, He did it that they might have a joint witness of the same matters He wanted to communicate to them so that they could validate or confirm each other’s testimony.

In this verse, we see seven disciples together who are given this privilege to attest to Christ’s visitation. This is symbolic because according to the Roman law of that time and age, seven witnesses were necessary to establish a testament. One more observation to make in this verse is that Thomas’ name was mentioned close to Peter’s, giving the idea that after He missed an appearance of the Lord and doubted when he was told, he decided to be present whenever the apostles met. From this, we can learn that losses sometimes teaches us to pay more attention to opportunities.

“Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.“ (John 21:3)

This verse shows what the disciples were doing when Jesus manifested Himself to them. They had agreed to go fishing. It’s clear that they didn’t know what best to do. The events of the previous weeks had been strange, and they knew their whole lives were about to change. It must have been a lot to take in. So when Peter had decided to go fishing, the others too decided to tag along with him.

Many people believe that the apostles were wrong to return to their occupation as fishermen, which they had all left to follow Jesus. But if they were wrong, then surely Jesus would not have approved their gathering with His presence. So instead of the apostles acting in error, their action is commendable. They are to be commended for two reasons:

1. They redeemed the time instead of being idle. At this time, they had not been commissioned or sent out to preach Christ’s resurrection. Although their ordination to this ministry was at hand, they had not yet entered into it. Now, it’s possible that Christ had instructed them to remain silent about His resurrection until He ascended to heaven and poured out of His spirit. It was after these things they were to proclaim about Christ, beginning from Jerusalem. So while they waited, instead of being idle, they decided to go fishing. Not to have fun, of course, but for business. In truth, it shows that they had humble hearts. These were men who had been chosen by the Lord to be sent ones, yet they didn’t see themselves as men of grand positions deserving of honour. Certainly, they remembered where Christ had picked them from. Also, their action shows how industrious they were. They decided that while they waited, they wouldn’t be idle. So from them, we can learn to redeem our time daily, for it is only when we do this that we can be satisfied with the way we spend each day.

2.They needed a source of income and did not want to burden others. In Jesus earthly ministry, Jesus’ disciples had been catered for by those who ministered to Him. But since now their Master was no longer with them, they reckoned that their own hands were to meet their needs. Apostle Paul too told the church at Thessalonica, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11)

Still, in this verse, we see the disappointment of the disciples because they caught nothing. It is possible they had worked all night long (same as in Luke 5:5). This shows you how futile and vain this world is. More often than not, the hands of the diligent that should overflow with abundance yields nothing. From this, we learn that even good and well-meaning people do not always get their desired results in their sincere business dealings. In this case, it was by divine orchestration that they would have no catch, although they toiled all night so that the miracle of the great catch in the morning would be more glorious. This shows us that when we go through unpleasant circumstances, God has something amazing in store for us. Also, we can learn that even though man has dominion over fish, it’s only God who knows the paths they pass in the watery depths.

“But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.” (John 21:4)

In this verse, we observe that He showed Himself to them in the morning after their fruitless business engagement. Most times, Christ decides to make Himself known to us when we are at our lowest. It’s in these moments where we feel we have lost ourselves that He shows us we still have Him.

Indeed, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) Now, consider that Christ did not come to them walking on water. Instead, He stood on the shore, signifying that they were to move towards Him. This significance is that since Christ had finished His work, He had passed through a stormy sea, a sea of blood to a safe and quiet shore where He stood in triumphal glory. Thus, when life becomes like the raging seas, our Lord waits for us at the shore, and all we need to do is run quickly towards Him.

Also, the fact that the disciples did not know that it was Jesus who stood at shore shows that He revealed Himself to them gradually. These were men who had been intimate with Jesus, yet they did not recognize Him. Indeed, they did not expect to see Him standing there and assuming He was an ordinary stranger waiting for a boat or to buy fish; they didn’t look at Him carefully enough. Here, we can find comfort in the fact that Christ is always closer than we think Him to be.

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’” (John 21:5)

Here, we observe that Christ manifested Himself with the affection and pity of a Father. So He called them children. Even though He had fully put on His deity, He was still tender and affectionate in His approach. Yes, by age, they were men, but they were the children God gave Him.

Observe that Jesus asked them a question out of concern; a father’s concern who wanted His children to be provided with what they needed. And in the instance that they were not, He was willing to supply their need. (Read Philippians 4:19)

Also, as 1 Corinthians 6:13 puts it, “the Lord is for the body.” Christ takes notice of His people’s needs and has promised them both a full supply of both food and grace. Christ visits the houses of the poor to ask, “Children, have you any food?” He invites us to open up to Him about our needs. Employing the prayer of faith, we make our requests known to Him and get rid of our anxieties because Jesus takes care for and of us. So Christ shows us something worth emulation; a heart of compassion concerning others. The poor in society abound and would be better off if the rich will ask, “Have you any food?”

To Jesus’ merciful question, they gave a brief answer: ‘No’. He was a stranger to them, so they did not respond to His kind question with warmth. Many times we are like the disciples, falling short in our response to Christ’s love. Now, He did not ask this question because He did not know their need. Jesus wanted to know them based on the information they gave about themselves. This shows that we should not assume that we don’t need to ask for what we need. To receive supplies from the Lord, we must tell Him how needy, hungry and empty we are, and He will fill us up.

“And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” (John 21:6)

Here, Jesus made Himself known to His disciples through a display of power. This led to recognition and certainty that the stranger at the shore was truly their resurrected Lord. He gave a command for their nets to be cast one more time. But not just anywhere. Jesus was quite specific because He instructed them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. The disciples obeyed, and their situation changed immediately. Internally they were tuned to the fact that they would return home unsuccessful, but everything changed when they got the catch of their lives, which is popular called the great draught of fishes.

Observe that Christ gave them a command a specific command—where to cast their nets—which came with a promise of finding what they had toiled all night for. Job 26:5 rightly describes the depth of the waters and even Sheol itself being visible to God’s eyes. No wonder He also knew where the fish were. Blessed are those sensitive enough to heed God’s quiet instructions and guidance in the affairs of their lives.

Also, observe their obedience and their reward. Jesus’ disciples had no idea that the stranger was their Lord. However, in their situation, they were open to suggestions even from strangers. Luckily, they did not ignore the stranger but did exactly what He instructed. They were such simple men with hospitable dispositions; their good nature caused them to obey their Lord without knowing it. As a result, they had a net full of fish which was more than enough compensation for the futility of their night labours.

From this verse, we can learn that those who are patient, humble and diligent are always blessed. Even though they might experience difficulty in their labours. After their suffering, God permits them to see the reward of their labours.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favour], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10 AMPC)

Therefore, no one is at a loss when they follow God’s instructions. On the contrary, when we follow the principles of God’s word, the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the whispers of divine intervention, we experience supernatural speed and blessing.

Now, there are three ways to consider the miraculous draught of fishes:

1. A miracle which proved that Christ resurrected with power, though His death was in weakness. (See 1 Corinthians 15:43) It was to show that the Father had put all things under His feet, even the fishes of the sea. (See 1 Corinthians 15:27) Even today, Christ reveals Himself to His followers by doing the impossible and the least expected.

2. A timely display of mercy to supply their needs. Their dexterity and desire to provide for themselves had failed, but Christ showed up in His power to provide for them. He will never forsake those who have given their all to follow Him. Jesus ensures that they lack no good thing. (Psalm 23:1)

3. A memorial of former mercy which Jesus had shown Peter after loaning His boat to preach. Both miracles are identical and must have stirred Peter’s memory. Both instances had a great effect on Peter. Jesus encountered Him in his own element.

4. A mystery signifying the great commission and work Jesus was bestowing on them. The prophets of old caught little or nothing when they fished for souls, but the apostles let down their nets and had a great catch at Jesus' command. Not too long after this visitation, the apostles are seen in God’s word leading thousands to the Lord. They learnt how to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. Ministers of the gospel can learn from this; it’s encouraging to know that one mighty draught can compensate for years and months of rigorous toiling in the gospel.

“Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.” (John 21:7-8)

Here’s how Jesus’ disciples received His discovery. It was John, whom Jesus loved, that caught the revelation first. He was obviously the sharpest and most thoughtful of the bunch. He said, “It is the Lord.” Why was he the first to know? Because Christ reveals Himself to those, He loves in a special way. (See John 14:21)

John stayed with Jesus in His suffering more than any disciple. As a result, his vision was keener and his discernment more accurate, possibly as a reward for his consistency. John communicated his discovery to others, which shows that the disclosures of the Spirit are indeed to profit everyone. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:7) John tells Peter, knowing he would be delighted. Although Peter had denied Jesus, he had repented and had been accepted back into fellowship with the others.

Clearly, we see that in terms of zeal, no disciple came close to Peter. Taking John at His word, he plunged himself into the water. He was too excited to stay on the ship; he wanted to get to Christ first. In girding himself first, he showed his reverence for Christ because he wanted to appear presentable. His actions also showed the intensity of his affection for his Master and His desire to be with Him. Peter’s plunge into the seas shows he loved much because he had been forgiven much. He was willing to go through anything to be with Jesus.

Concerning the other disciples, although they showed no great display of zeal like Peter, they made haste to meet Christ. They were sincere in their hearts and more cautious. Yes, they came to Jesus slowly, but at last, they arrived. Here we can see that God gives people different gifts. Some are like Peter and John, gifted, full of grace and distinguished.

In contrast, others are ordinary followers of Christ who do their duty but aren’t remarkable in any way. Furthermore, we can see a difference in honouring Christ. However, all are accepted by Him. Lastly, in these verses, we see that Christ’s disciples can meet Him at the shore in different ways. Some go to be with their Lord through violent deaths and persecutions, while others die naturally. But all get to meet Him.

“Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.” (John 21:9)

Here, we see how Christ was hospitable towards them when they met Him. When they came cold, wet, hungry and tired, He had a fire to warm them and food to satisfy them. Now, there’s no need to contemplate where the fire, fish and bread came from. Undoubtedly, the same God who could multiply fished and loaves could create them too.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Jesus made ready all that was necessary to meet their needs. In the same way, Christ provides for His ministers when they are weary from frequent fastings and the demands of ministry.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.’ Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” (John 21:10-11)

Notice in these verses, Jesus asked for a portion of their catch. He did not ask because He needed it. Neither was it because He did not have enough to feed them. Instead, it shows that He wanted them to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Christ wanted them to taste what His miraculous power had wrought. Why? So that they might be witnesses of His power and goodness. From every believer, Christ desires fellowship. He delights in us, and we in Him. What He produces in our lives by His tremendous work, He accepts of us. Finally, God’s people ought to bring all they receive to Him.

The comparison of the net in Luke 5:6, with that in John 21:11

In the earlier case the net was broken (Luke 5:6) and in this case, the net was not broken even though there were so many fish. (John 21:11). Did the resurrection change things? it certainly did!

In Luke 5, the one drawing the net did not have an intimate relationship with the LORD. In John 21, the ones drawing had an intimate relationship with the LORD. When we have an intimate relationship with the LORD even during the harvest there will be no burnout.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mat. 11:28-30).

Jesus didn’t offer burnout to those who labour and are heavy laden. He offered rest! Christ has a yoke. He has a work for every believer to do in this world. There is a yoke to put on and a plough to pull, and it can be hard labour, but it is restful work all the same. Christ’s yoke is easy and His burden is light. I don’t pull the plough by myself. I am yoked with the Almighty!

Thus, if I am finding the Christian life and service to be excessively difficult and burdensome, then something is wrong with me in how I am living and how I am serving. It indicates that I am attempting to pull the plough myself rather than resting in Christ. I am labouring apart from that intimate fellowship with the Lord that makes the labour a curse rather than a blessing. I am somehow ignoring my main task, which is to learn of Him.

38 Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.

39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.

40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!

41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;

42 There is need of only one or but [a]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

(Luke 10:38-42 AMPC).

Martha was well on her way to burnout in her Christian life. She was serving the Lord, but it was in her own energy and probably for her own glory. She was so burned out that she got upset both at her sister and at the Lord!

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:30-31)

Jesus said to them, ‘Come and eat breakfast.’ Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are You?’—knowing that it was the Lord. “ (John 21:12)

In this verse, Jesus invites His disciples to eat because He noticed that they kept their distance. Here we see that Christ did not desire to be served by them. He was free with them and treated them as His friends, not servants. (See John 15:15) This illustrates: How Christ calls His disciples into a fellowship of grace and the call to be given after the Kingdoms of this world becomes the kingdom of our God and of His Christ. (See Revelation 11:15)

The disciples in standing afar, showed their reverence. They were reluctant to be free as He asked. No doubt, they now considered Him a mighty ruler and were being careful not to dishonour Him in any way. They were scared to ask who He was because they did not want to be so bold. Also, they felt it would be a foolish question to ask after seeing the miracle He had performed. They did well to be quiet because believers are not supposed to have baseless doubts in God after such infallible proofs.

“Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.” (John 21:13)

Jesus begins to serve them because they were still shy. He served them as the master of the feast. The food here wasn’t extraordinary. It consisted of fish and bread. Jesus, now in His exalted state, showed himself to be alive by eating, but not as a prince feasting. He ate not because of necessity but to show them His body was Human-like theirs and could eat. This was another strong proof of His resurrection. Jesus gave the bread and fish to all his disciples. He provided the meal, invited them to eat and distributed it Himself to each person. This illustrates that Jesus not purchased but also helps us apply the benefits wrapped up in our redemption.

“This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.” (John 21:14)

Three lessons can be learned from John’s three accounts of Jesus appearing to His disciples. First, Jesus appears to the disciples in the upper room after meeting Mary at the tomb. The Scripture says:

¹⁹Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” ²²And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:19-23)

On His first appearance, Lord Jesus bestows His Spirit on them, the Spirit He allows them to join with Him in the ministry of reconciliation.

In His second appearance to the disciples, He Strengthens their Faith by inviting Thomas to touch the wounds in His hands and side. Then He gives this affirmation to every disciple who would follow:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

As Apostle Paul writes:

“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

By faith, we perceive the eternal. By faith, we see Jesus.

In His third appearance, Jesus prepared breakfast by the sea for His disciples. His goal was to offer forgiveness and reaffirm their calling.

Three times Peter had denied Christ, and after they all had eaten breakfast, Peter was given an opportunity to confess His love for Christ three times.

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’” (John 21:15-17)

In these verses, we see the details of Christ’s conversation with Peter after dinner. Jesus knew that Peter would be uncomfortable with the subject of their conversation, so He waited until after dinner so that Peter wouldn’t lose his appetite.

Notice Christ discussed Peter’s error with him as friend would. Jesus did not even mention His betrayal directly but alluded to it when he asked whether Peter loved Him. Notice there was not even a hint of condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

Observe that the first time Christ asks Peter if he loves Him, He calls him Simon not Cephas. He had lost the steadfastness and strength that name was supposed to signify. Calling him by this name seems to be a reminder of where he came from, how undeserving he was of the great privilege which was bestowed on him.

Notice how Jesus chastises Peter with the question “Do you love Me?” Because he had betrayed Christ, his love was in doubt. Jesus was more concerned about Peter’s love even after he had repented of his sin. Jesus asked this question because his function and position would require him to love greatly. The third time Christ asked the question, he wanted to know if Peter loved him more than His friends and close companions. Jesus also referred perhaps to the boat, nets and the pleasure he derived from his profession as a fisher man. He asked because to love Christ is to love Him above all else.

Jesus in effect was saying, if you love me more than your occupation, leave it and feed my flock. Peter had boasted about his ability to stay with Jesus though everyone else jumps ship. Jesus’ questions about his love was a subtle but effective rebuke. It also communicated the fact that Peter was obliged to love more than the others, because he had been forgive more. Now, observe that Peter replied the same way thrice. He did not claim to love Christ more than the others. He was ashamed of his false boast: “Though all men deny You, yet I will not.” (Matthew 26:33)

When looking at the Greek terms, for “love” used in John 21:15–17, there is also an intriguing comparison. When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” in John 21:15–16, He used the Greek word agape, which refers to unconditional love. Both times, Peter responded with “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you,” using the Greek word phileo, which refers more to a brotherly/friendship type of love.

It appears that Jesus was attempting to persuade Peter that he must love Jesus unreservedly in order to be the leader that God has called him to be. The third time Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” in John 21:17, He uses the word phileo, and Peter again responds with “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you,” again using phileo. The point in the different Greek words for “love” seems to be that Jesus was stretching Peter to move him from phileo love to agape love.

Also, in these verses Jesus commits His flock into Peter’s care. He committed lambs and sheep into Peter’s care. Jesus said feed my lambs once and then sheep twice. The church of Christ is His flock made up of lambs—the young, weak and tender—and sheep—those who have grown to maturity and are strong.

What does Jesus ask Peter to do?

To feed His flock. In verse 15 and 17 the Greek word used is boske meaning to give food. But in verse 16 the Greek word used is poimaine, to perform all the duties of a shepherd. The implied meaning was simple; if Peter truly loved Jesus, then he is to shepherd and care for those who belong to Christ.

Now, why did Jesus charge Peter thus?

Jesus did this to restore his apostleship after he had repented. This wasn’t just for Peter’s benefit but also the benefit of his brethren. His re-comissioning was proof that he was reconciled with Christ. Secondly, Jesus gave him the charge to help him discharge his duties accurately.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 21:18-19)

After Lord Jesus had appointed Peter and commissioned him for the work ahead, he appoints him into his work of suffering. The honour of an apostle came first; following it was the honour of a martyr.

Jesus revealed Peter’s martyrdom with certainty, which can be seen in His first words, “Most assuredly….”He would be imprisoned and killed. This way, Christ strengthened Peter not to expect ease and comfort. He reveals that Peter would die a violent death; He would be crucified.

About thirty-four years after this, Peter was crucified. Jerome, the historian, says that ‘he was crowned with martyrdom under Nero, being crucified with his head downwards and his feet upwards because Peter himself said that he was unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as his Lord.

Jesus compares the time of Peter’s imprisonment to the days when he was free. Also, Christ reveals the time that these things would occur; in his old age. Till then, he was to be preserved from his enemies.

From these verses, we see that our deaths aren’t only appointed, but also the way they are to happen. We also see that our desire should be that our deaths, no matter what kind, should glorify God. Furthermore, we learn that the deaths of martyrs glorify God.

At the end of verse 19, Jesus commands Peter to follow Him. Perhaps Jesus got up and moved away from the spot they had dined and beckoned on Peter. The words “follow me” hold the following significance: It re-affirmed Peter’s restoration to Christ’s favour and to his position as an apostle. It alluded to Peter’s suffering, which he might not have understood until Jesus said, “.Follow me.” In effect, Jesus had said, “Expect the same treatment, the same bloody death.”

Lastly, it was an encouragement towards faithfulness and diligence in ministry. Christ set an excellent example as the good shepherd, and Peter was asked to do the same.

“Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’” (John 21:20-21)

In these verses, we observe the conversation Peter and Christ had concerning John. John, who is the writer of this gospel, doesn’t mention his name but describes himself in a way that cannot be misunderstood. Here, we understand why he followed so closely. Among the disciples, Jesus bestowed a special affection on him, and as such, John craved to hear the words of Jesus, which were full of grace.

It’s possible that Peter asked concerning John to return his kindness. John had been in the place of favourite before and shared what Jesus told him with Peter. Now Peter was in the place of favourite and wanted to do the same.

What did Peter ask Jesus? “Lord, what about this man.” Meaning, you have revealed what I will do and the portion of my suffering; what will this man do? What’s his work and the portion of his suffering? The language communicates either:

1. Concern for John because Peter wants him also to know his future.

2. Uneasiness at what had been said concerning him and a desire to find comfort in another person’s equally not so pleasant end.

3. Plain curiosity and the desire to know about the future concerning himself and others.

In Christ’s answer, it is clear He is displeased with Peter’s response. Possibly He had expected Peter to enquire how he would remain faithful and steadfast to do all that was required of him. But there he was, more concerned about someone else. Also, he seemed to be focused more on events than duties.

“Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." (John 21:22)

Here, we see Christ gently scolding Peter to mind his own duties and lay off John’s. However, a little was revealed. The first was that John wouldn’t be a martyr like Peter. He was to tarry until Christ came to take him home by a natural death. According to ancient historians, John was often persecuted, bound and imprisoned but lived long and died in old age. The second was the John would not die until Christ came to destroy Jerusalem; this is how some people interpret what it means to tarry till Christ comes.

To some, Jesus’ words are not seen as a disclosure of John’s purpose but a rebuke to Peter for his curiosity. This verse shows the mistakes that arose because of what Christ said in verse 22. People started peddling the belief that John wouldn’t die but live till the end of time. This shows how errors easily arise in the Church when we misunderstand and misinterpret Christ’s words. It’s possible that when they observed how John outlived the other apostles, they felt justified.

Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?’” (John 21:23)

This verse shows how a misconstruing of Christ’s words became a saying in the church. It reveals the uncertain nature of human tradition and the manner of scrutiny with which we should behold it. Also, we see the deception in building faith upon such falsehood. Although it was an early saying that was as old as the church, and though it was common and public, it was still false.

We see how swiftly we are to disregard unwritten traditions that don’t agree with the truth of the Holy Scriptures. Such mistakes can be rectified by strict adherence to God’s word and adopting it as the only truth. Here, John attempts to correct the error by repeating Christ’s words. He pointed out that Jesus said this much and no more: No that the disciple will not die, but “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?’ We are not to add to Christ’s words but be content with what He has revealed.

“This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” (John 21:24-25)

These verses contain the conclusion of the chapter. It ends with an account of the author who reveals himself as the disciple whose death was debated about. From these verses, we observe that those who wrote about Christ’s History were not ashamed to identify with Him. We see that they did not write from what others told them but were eyewitnesses and heard every word with their own ears.

Those who wrote Christ’s history wrote as witnesses bound by oath to testify to what they had seen. The authors of these things did not take it upon themselves to write. God appointed them. John 21 concludes with an attestation that everything written is true. In this attention, the author appeals to the common sense of mankind because an eyewitness is a reliable source of truth. He uses the word “we,” which refers to the satisfaction of the entire church with what has been documented. Also, he uses the word “I,” to express his confidence in what he wrote. Finally, the author closes with the confession that there were more things to write about, but he had chosen those that were most necessary.

Chapter 21