Welcome to Week 6 of the Life of Peter series and to John chapter 21, where Jesus graciously and publicly restores Peter after he had denied knowing him three times on the night Jesus was arrested. We don’t begin with that story, however, as the disciples will first have another encounter with Jesus on a beach, with some boats, and fishing is involved. If that sounds familiar to you…it should. Let’s get started!
Thank you to my wife Tracy who wrote the prayer guides for this week.
Index to Days 2 through 5
Day 1
When We Decide for Ourselves
Observe
After the weeklong festival of Unleavened Bread was concluded, the disciples apparently left Jerusalem and returned home to Galilee. Once there, they make a decision regarding what they ought to do.
John 21:1-3
21 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Proverbs 16:1-4
16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Proverbs 16:25
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 21:2
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
Judges 21:25
25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Proverbs 29:18
18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.
It must have been a confusing time for the disciples of Jesus. He had spoken of sending them yet given no specifics. They didn’t know what was in store, but whatever it was, Jesus wouldn’t be with them every day as he had been. Peter suggested doing what they knew how to do—go fishing. Some commentators suggest this was Peter giving up and going back to their old way of life, but that doesn’t seem likely. What seems more likely is this was Peter being practical. Because Luke 8:3 records that Jesus and the disciples were provided for by gifts from Jesus’ other followers, and if that support hadn’t already ceased, the disciples might fear that it would. Going fishing was how they would put food on their tables. However, Jesus had not told them to return to fishing, and if the Lord has not told you to cast the net, you won’t catch any fish.
- What do you do when you’re not sure of the Lord’s direction in something?
- When you’ve chosen a path God doesn’t want you to take, how does he let you know?
Heavenly Father, How often I excuse my decisions to act without even a thought to you. I can feel like something must be done, so I just push on. How often I worry and struggle to solve a problem without prayer. Forgive me in those times, Lord, and help to seek you, to keep doing what you last instructed and wait for your next direction. Truly, all of your will is accomplished by your leading and your strength, so it is all for your glory.
Day 2
When God Directs
Observe
In a scene that bears striking resemblance to the account of Peter’s calling from Luke chapter 5, Jesus again appears to them on a beach.
John 21:4-8
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
Isaiah 30:21
21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Isaiah 58:11
11 And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
Psalm 25:9
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
Psalm 32:8
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 37:23
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
At first the disciples don’t recognize Jesus and we’re not told why. Was he just too far away for them to see clearly? Or was he concealing his identity from them? Whichever was the case, Jesus asked them if they’d caught any fish. When they said no, he told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. On the fishing boats of that time, the steering oar was on the right side, so fishermen of that day typically cast their nets on the left side of the boat. Jesus was not only asking them to repeat something that had thus far yielded no results, he asked them to do it in a manner that would not make sense to them. Yet something about his request was compelling, so they agreed to it. As the net filled up with so many fish they couldn’t haul it in, all the dots were connected for John, who told Peter “It is the Lord!” Peter’s response demonstrates just how desperately he wanted to be with the Lord. Although they were the length of a football field from shore, Peter was over the side and into the water in a flash. When we allow the Lord to direct us, our nets will be full and our joy will be abundant.
- The instruction Jesus gave was unusual and those he gave it to were tired (and probably discouraged by catching nothing all night). Given that, why do you think they went along with it?
- Think of a time when you were certain that the Lord was very much involved in an outcome. What happened and what convinced you that God directed that outcome?
Lord Jesus, Thank you for those times when you have guided me, and I have seen and done your will, and your blessings have followed. Thank you for granting me the joy of sometimes seeing it! Please open my eyes to your direction, even when it does make sense to me, and strengthen me to just do it your way. I want to say, with wonder like John, “It is the Lord!”
Day 3
Jesus Serves Them Breakfast
Observe
The disciples bring their catch ashore and discover that Jesus already has a fire going with fish grilling and bread toasting.
John 21:9-14
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Matthew 4:18-20
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 10:42
42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
Romans 1:15-16
15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 10:14-15
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
The Lord directed where they should cast the net, for he knows perfectly where the fish are ready to be caught. And the Lord told them to bring some of the fish ashore, where they discover that Jesus already has fish cooking over a fire. Jesus didn’t need their fish, he was clearly capable of providing for everyone’s needs, but Jesus wanted them to bring their fish. Could God accomplish his gospel ministry without us? Of course. Yet he has chosen instead to work through his people. Even if he doesn’t need our fish, he still wants us to be fishermen. (That should speak especially to any who ask why we share the gospel with everyone, if God only chooses to save some.)
Notes for Bible nerds: Commentators are more than happy to take a stab at the meaning behind the specific number of 153 fish: (1) The number of languages in the world at that time. (2) The number of races or tribes toward which the gospel net would be spread. (3) The number of different kinds of fish in the Sea of Galilee. Whatever the case, it certainly speaks of the variety of those who would be saved through the preaching of the gospel—from every tribe and nation. The reference to the net not breaking despite the large haul might be intended to show us that when God directs the action, it will not fail for lack of resources.
- Why do you think God has chosen to spread the gospel through his people rather than some other means?
- What are your feelings toward the person (or people) who first shared the gospel with you?
Dear Lord, You own the sheep on a thousand hills and you command the wind and the waves, yet you have chosen me. You’ve chosen me as an instrument to spread your gospel and to be a blessing to those around me. I am so inadequate! But you will give me all I need to do your will. You have prepared the way. My hands are open, Lord, to your provision and strength. Thank you.
Day 4
Jesus Restores Peter
Observe
Here we have the gracious aftermath of Peter’s three denials as Jesus invites Peter three times to be a minister of the gospel.
John 21:15-19
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Acts 20:28
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
1 Peter 5:2
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
Jeremiah 3:15
15 “‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
John 10:14
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
Matthew 9:36
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
John 10:27
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Peter’s denials were public and so Jesus will restore him publicly in front of the other disciples. Here are some things to consider about these verses:
Peter, do you love me more than these? Jesus probably means the other disciples here, as Peter had professed his love most loudly in the past. There’s no doubt Peter’s pride was battered by his denials, and here Jesus is asking Peter to let go of the rest of it.
A different kind of love? The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, Jesus uses the Greek word agapao that’s used of divine love (see John 3:16) and carries with it a connotation of will and purpose as well as affection. Peter answers both times with the Greek word phileo that implies affinity, friendship, or fondness. In the third question, both Jesus and Peter use phileo.
Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. The first and third imply only taking the lambs and sheep to pasture, where they are fed. The second request, “tend my sheep,” refers to the broader role of shepherd, and here Jesus is asking Peter to assume complete guardianship over the flock.
Why was Peter upset by the third question? Some commentators suggest that Peter was upset at Jesus’ third question because it reminded Peter of his three denials. Certainly that’s part of it, but I wonder whether Peter was also upset because Jesus dialed back on the question. “Peter, are you at least fond of me?” Peter needed to recognize and admit that no one loves like Jesus does. We all fall short of that.
- How do you know when you love someone?
- In his letter to the churches (1 Peter 5:2), Peter instructs the elders (meaning mature believers and not specifically church officers, we know this because it’s contrasted with instruction to those who are “younger” in verse 5) to shepherd the flock of God. What do you think it means for a mature believer to shepherd the flock of God?
Precious Jesus, Thank you for preserving forever the story of your forgiveness and restoration of Peter. How I need this sweet reminder that, no matter how I may fail you, there is love between us, and because of that love I can love others and serve them. Lift my gaze above my guilt and failure to look at you and follow. Amen
Day 5
It’s Not a Competition
Observe
Peter wants to know how his future compares with John’s.
John 21:20-25
20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
Galatians 6:4
4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
Philippians 2:3-4
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
James 3:14-15
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Proverbs 14:30
30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
but envy makes the bones rot.
Luke 9:46-48
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
In his words to Peter, Jesus made a prediction about Peter’s future that was no doubt upsetting to hear. Peter’s reaction was to ask about John’s future and Jesus’ response indicates he understood Peter to be asking whether John would suffer as well. That response is something of a rebuke (“what is it to you?”). Each one of us is called to follow Christ, as an individual, and we are not in competition with other believers. Yes, we are part of the body of Christ, and the greater worldwide church, but God does not promise us equal outcomes. God wants what is best for us, but that’s according to his definition of “best.”
- Is God fair?
- Should God be fair? Why or why not?
Heavenly Father, I don’t know if it has always been so, but the structure of this world compels me to measure my success against others and to want what they have. Such a trap! Lord, keep my eyes on you. Help me to follow your path for me with humility and without resentment. Teach me to desire to know your story above all else, until it is the only story. Amen.