John 21:1-25

We start this chapter with seven disciples led by Simon Peter going on a fruitless fishing trip. It is interesting that in spite of having seen Jesus twice since his resurrection they don’t immediately recognise him. The recognition comes with the miraculous sign, one similar to the story in Luke 5, where Jesus directs them to recast their nets and the haul is immense.

John recognises him first and Simon Peter rushes to get to Jesus, who has already prepared a breakfast of fish and bread for the disciples. Verses 15 -19 are concerned with a very personal conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter, it is a very interesting and moving discussion. Twice Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, using the word agape, implying a selfless love, but Peter replies that ‘yes he loves him’ but uses the word phileo, meaning brotherly love. Peter gets upset when Jesus asks the question a third time, but interestingly Jesus uses Peters word, phileo, and Peter repeats his response. Jesus commissions Simon Peter to feed and tend his flock, the church, but also indicates that even though Peter can’t say it he will one day lay down his life for the Lord. Maybe after his denial of Jesus Peter is much more cautious, more aware of his failings and less full of himself. He has learnt a hard lesson but now knows the joy of restoration and forgiveness from his sin.

After taking a few verses to correct a false rumour that he wouldn’t die until Jesus returned, John again tells us that he has only chosen a few of Jesus’ actions and that they are too numerous to tell. They still are. As the Spirit of God moves through believers down through the ages and across the world the ministry of Jesus has not ended. No matter who we are and what we may have done for good or ill we can find hope, forgiveness and purpose in life through Jesus Christ.

 May God bless you this Easter as you celebrate the resurrected Lord