John 21
Summary. In this chapter, the resurrected Lord Jesus appears to a select group of disciples, showing love, mercy, and care, and guiding them. John 21:1-8. The Resurrected Lord Jesus appears to seven disciples. Simon Peter and the other six disciples went fishing for food, showing unity and support for each other. However, they struggled all night and caught nothing. The resurrected Lord Jesus appears on the shore and asks them, “Children, do you have any fish?” He has mercy on them and guides them by His Word to throw the net on the right side of the boat. By following the Word of the Lord, they catch many fish. John 21:9-14. The Lord Jesus has breakfast with the seven disciples. The Lord Jesus waits for the disciples on the shore with a fire of coals, one fish laid on, and bread. He invites them to bring some more fish and have breakfast. John 21:15-19. The Lord Jesus strengthened Peter’s faith. The resurrected Lord Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. With each answer Peter gave, the Lord gave Peter one specific duty: “feed My lambs,” “tend My sheep,” and lastly “feed My sheep.” After these, the Lord tells Peter by what manner of death he will glorify God and tells him, “Follow Me.” John 21:20-25. The duty of the beloved apostle. The beloved apostle is identified as the writer of this gospel. His duty was to bring a true testimony about the Lord Jesus under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
[1]
After these things Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; He revealed in this way.
[2]
There were together, Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples.
Comments John 21:2
During this time, the Lord Jesus did not appear to all of His disciples together at the same time to see Him. Therefore, each appearance has its own meaning and purpose. Even if some of these apostles may not do much work later, however, wherever each has gone has made a difference to the people that they would have a chance to meet, and some the Lord has brought them specifically to give the message; we will notice this later on as well.
[3]
Simon Peter says to them, I am going to fish. They say to him, We also come with you. They went out and entered into the boat; and on that night they caught nothing.
Comments John 21:3
Everyone can also see the kind of life the disciples of the Lord have. When the need for food comes, they all look for work, and the work that they can do there is fishing. Notice also the love they have for each other. One has an idea, in this instance, Peter himself got the idea to go out fishing, and the other disciples had no selfishness in themselves, and also were willing to go out with him, whether they wanted to or not. It is not the problem for them to stay and relax, but the love for each other makes them agree to go out together as one unit.
“And on that night, they caught nothing.” Being a fisherman doesn’t mean that every time you go out, you will get the fish. The disciples went out to fish, but they caught nothing; this is a common life for fishermen as well.
“And on that night, they caught nothing.” Being a fisherman doesn’t mean that every time you go out, you will get the fish. The disciples went out to fish, but they caught nothing; this is a common life for fishermen as well.
[4]
But morning having now come, Jesus stood on the shore; however, the disciples did not know that it was Jesus .
Comments John 21:4
The sun comes up, and the beloved Son of God is standing at the shore waiting for His disciples, but in the eyes of the disciples, because of the distance, they did not recognize that it was their Master. It is a common way in humans that when looking out through the curve of the water, the eyes can’t focus, and the disciples, too, now, their eyes could not focus to recognize their Master.
Comments John 21:5
“Then Jesus says to them, Children, do you have any fish?” It is a common question humans would ask when standing at the shore and seeing the fishermen coming in from the sea, “did you catch anything for food today?”
The beloved Son of God has asked the children the same question that normal men would ask. If a fisherman goes out to catch fish, the one waiting on the shore would also expect some food to eat.
“Children” is a term the beloved Son of God uses with His disciples. He always calls them His children; either way, the disciples do not recognize Him, even by the way of calling.
“They answered Him, No.” In their answer, we can also notice that the disciples feel disappointed that they caught nothing. The fishermen went out to catch fish and caught nothing, so it was normal to feel disappointed in their work. Also, from their answer, we can see that they still didn’t recognize the Lord.
“They answered Him, No.” In their answer, we can also notice that the disciples feel disappointed that they caught nothing. The fishermen went out to catch fish and caught nothing, so it was normal to feel disappointed in their work. Also, from their answer, we can see that they still didn’t recognize the Lord.
[6]
And He said to them, Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find. They cast, therefore, and they were not able to haul it in from the great number of fish.
Comments John 21:6
“And He said to them, Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find.” Here is the place humans should pay attention: the beloved Son of God knows all things. He knows where the fish will gather together in a group; to the left or the right side of the boat, it will make a difference in catching, and now the beloved Son of God has told the disciples in each step what to do: cast the net down on “the right side,” and you will get the fish. It is not that He orders the fish to be there, but He knows the way the fish reacts with the current; the way the current moves will bring the food, and the fish will be there. This reveals to all humans the knowledge of the beloved Son of God regarding all things, for He knows them all clearly. He knows the end where the fish will be, and that is why He tells them specifically which side to do the catching.
“They cast, therefore, and they were not able to haul it in from the great number of fish.” This is the result of obeying. The disciples obey the word of the beloved Son of God, and they have done according to His command, and now they receive the result of obeying; there is a large number of fish in their net.
“They cast, therefore, and they were not able to haul it in from the great number of fish.” This is the result of obeying. The disciples obey the word of the beloved Son of God, and they have done according to His command, and now they receive the result of obeying; there is a large number of fish in their net.
[7]
Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved says to Peter, It is the Lord . So, Simon Peter having heard that it is the Lord , girt on the outer tunic (for he was poorly clothed), and cast himself into the sea.
Comments John 21:7
“Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved says to Peter, It is the Lord.” We can notice that not everybody recognized the beloved Son of God, and in this place itself, Peter couldn’t recognize Him. However, John, the beloved disciple, has recognized the Master and informed his brethren, Peter, that it is the Lord. To ensure everyone notices, the Lord will always work in someone’s heart. Similarly, people read the same verse from the Holy Bible but might get different meanings; however, if a person prays and asks for help from the Holy Spirit, that person will get the right understanding.
“So, Simon Peter … into the sea.” Let all true believers give attention to this part of the verse. When you worship the Lord, your body must be covered with clothes. In this place, Peter did not cover the whole body and felt disrespect towards the Master of life. Also, even though he had covered himself with the coat, he still jumped into the sea. This verse also tells all readers how they should behave towards the Lord. If you notice you are not alone, but even if you are alone, you know who is with you; therefore, when you come to glorify the Master, cover your body as well.
“For he was poorly clothed.” This means he was completely naked while fishing. With a simple mind, there was no wicked thought of seeing one another naked, and they did not think beyond the skin and work to do.
Q: Why did Peter do this action to “cast himself into the sea?” A: Peter has full respect towards the beloved Son of God, which made him throw himself into the water. Even though he had put on the outer coat already, but in his heart, because the Lord had seen him naked, it made him feel embarrassed as well. So, in himself, if he jumped down into the water, he washed off the shame, and he could face the beloved Son of God. This was a normal human way of thinking for them; when they did something improper, they would wash it off with water. Simon jumped out of the boat to hide in shame.
“So, Simon Peter … into the sea.” Let all true believers give attention to this part of the verse. When you worship the Lord, your body must be covered with clothes. In this place, Peter did not cover the whole body and felt disrespect towards the Master of life. Also, even though he had covered himself with the coat, he still jumped into the sea. This verse also tells all readers how they should behave towards the Lord. If you notice you are not alone, but even if you are alone, you know who is with you; therefore, when you come to glorify the Master, cover your body as well.
“For he was poorly clothed.” This means he was completely naked while fishing. With a simple mind, there was no wicked thought of seeing one another naked, and they did not think beyond the skin and work to do.
Q: Why did Peter do this action to “cast himself into the sea?” A: Peter has full respect towards the beloved Son of God, which made him throw himself into the water. Even though he had put on the outer coat already, but in his heart, because the Lord had seen him naked, it made him feel embarrassed as well. So, in himself, if he jumped down into the water, he washed off the shame, and he could face the beloved Son of God. This was a normal human way of thinking for them; when they did something improper, they would wash it off with water. Simon jumped out of the boat to hide in shame.
[8]
And the other disciples came by the boat, for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off, dragging the net with the fish.
Comments John 21:8
The other disciples were in the boat, but they went out on the side of the boat to pull the net with the fish and came by the boat, helping to drag the net with the fish. Now, Peter was out of the boat, and the other disciples were in the boat a bit further away. The other disciples jumped off the boat, and all were helping to drag the net with the fish; they were needed to help on the side because the net was too full.
[9]
Therefore, when they disembarked to the land, they see a fire of coals lying, and a fish laid thereon, and bread.
Comments John 21:9
“Therefore, when they disembarked to the land, they see a fire of coals lying.” When the disciples came to the shore, they saw the fire. The first thing they do when humans get out of the water is to look for a warm place, and the disciples saw the fire waiting. Inside their hearts, hope has come as well; where is the fire, the warmth is there, and the disciples in their hearts were looking to the warm place; this fire has become the hope of safety. When the Lord does something, it is always for helping humans to have hope, as in this place as well, the fire has lifted up the hope of the disciples.
“And a fish laid thereon, and bread.” Now the hope had been fulfilled; not only fire but food was also waiting for them to eat. This act from the Lord will make the disciples happy; besides, having seen fire, they now see the food waiting. A person needs a piece of bread and some small pieces of fish to eat; the heaviness of the stomach is on the bread, not just fish alone.
“And a fish laid thereon, and bread.” Now the hope had been fulfilled; not only fire but food was also waiting for them to eat. This act from the Lord will make the disciples happy; besides, having seen fire, they now see the food waiting. A person needs a piece of bread and some small pieces of fish to eat; the heaviness of the stomach is on the bread, not just fish alone.
[10]
Jesus says to them, Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.
Comments John 21:10
The beloved Son of God is also human, and He knows how humans think if they come in and see a small amount of food, but His word has also brought hope back to them. Remember, as well, they caught the fish in their net, so they did not worry that there was not enough food there. At that point, no one would be concerned that there was not enough food for them anymore; the net was full of fish, and they could bring more.
[11]
Simon Peter therefore went up, and dragged the net to the land, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three; although there were so many, the net was not torn.
Comments John 21:11
“Simon Peter … a hundred fifty-three.” With a heart full of gladness, Peter went down to get the net and found they had caught so many fish; in his heart now, there is no doubt; they couldn’t catch anything all night, but by following the Word of the beloved Son of God, they ended up with more fish than they wanted. It is the same as for humans today; if you truly believe and meditate on the Holy Bible, the result will be peace deep in your soul; the troubles of life in this world are nothing compared with the joy of the Lord in heaven.
The number of fish here tells us the difference between beginning with nothing and ending up with a large number of fish in the net that they have caught. The net that was thrown out is the same as when anyone meditates and believes in the Holy Bible; they will catch many souls into the kingdom of God.
“Although there were so many, the net was not torn.” Many people can read the Holy Bible, which will never be less meaningful if you read it with faith and belief. The same Holy Bible will catch many souls; there is no limitation for the Holy Word to capture any soul; a small book, but full of power and hunger to catch souls for heaven. The Holy Bible has no limitations for all humans: the true treasure on earth is the Holy Bible. Whoever believes in and meditates on it will feel rich in their hearts from the first person to the last person, because the Holy Bible has immeasurable treasures, and the benefits of it never end.
“Although there were so many, the net was not torn.” Many people can read the Holy Bible, which will never be less meaningful if you read it with faith and belief. The same Holy Bible will catch many souls; there is no limitation for the Holy Word to capture any soul; a small book, but full of power and hunger to catch souls for heaven. The Holy Bible has no limitations for all humans: the true treasure on earth is the Holy Bible. Whoever believes in and meditates on it will feel rich in their hearts from the first person to the last person, because the Holy Bible has immeasurable treasures, and the benefits of it never end.
[12]
Jesus says to them, Come have breakfast. None of the disciples dared to ask Him , Who are Thou ? knowing that it is the Lord .
Comments John 21:12
“Jesus says to them, Come have breakfast.” The beloved Son of God had mercy on His disciples and called them to come to eat some food. The blessed disciples had the meal that the beloved Son of God prepared; this meal would not only benefit their bodies but also the depths of their souls. Every time they would eat breakfast, they would never forget that one time the resurrected beloved Son of God made it for them to enjoy.
“None of the disciples … it is the Lord.” Deep in their hearts, all of the disciples at that time knew who was in front of them and talking with them, but none of them had enough courage to ask Him, even though they knew full well it was the Lord. Remember, as well, they have seen their Lord crucified, and now again have seen Him fixing the food for them. No human will have the courage to ask the Master who has been crucified and has come back again to spend time with them as He used to do before; which human will have the courage to ask the question “who are Thou?” Knowing and accepting are different. As the verse has told, they knew it was the Lord, but deep in their hearts, they did not yet have the acceptance that the beloved Son of God had resurrected back to life in the body. For them, the dead became alive again; it was more than a miracle. In their hearts, only one thing they could have: it was impossible that the dead could rise up again. Their understanding of the resurrection was not in the body as it happened, which was difficult for them, and it is difficult for us today. It is easy to understand and believe in a spiritual resurrection, but witnessing a bodily resurrection is a miracle beyond what the human mind can understand.
“None of the disciples … it is the Lord.” Deep in their hearts, all of the disciples at that time knew who was in front of them and talking with them, but none of them had enough courage to ask Him, even though they knew full well it was the Lord. Remember, as well, they have seen their Lord crucified, and now again have seen Him fixing the food for them. No human will have the courage to ask the Master who has been crucified and has come back again to spend time with them as He used to do before; which human will have the courage to ask the question “who are Thou?” Knowing and accepting are different. As the verse has told, they knew it was the Lord, but deep in their hearts, they did not yet have the acceptance that the beloved Son of God had resurrected back to life in the body. For them, the dead became alive again; it was more than a miracle. In their hearts, only one thing they could have: it was impossible that the dead could rise up again. Their understanding of the resurrection was not in the body as it happened, which was difficult for them, and it is difficult for us today. It is easy to understand and believe in a spiritual resurrection, but witnessing a bodily resurrection is a miracle beyond what the human mind can understand.
[13]
Jesus comes, and takes the bread, and gives them, and the fish likewise.
Comments John 21:13
Let all readers give attention to the action of the Lord. The resurrected beloved Son of God was still the caregiver for the disciples, giving them bread to eat and fish to taste. The Lord of life cares for all His children. His disciples and all who come to have faith in Him will have a chance to taste His food and care.
[14]
This is now the third time that Jesus manifested to the disciples, having been raised out from the dead.
Comments John 21:14
The Lord Jesus, “having been raised out from the dead,” which is different than saying “having been raised from the dead.” The term “having been raised out” is proper because death cannot hold the beloved Son of God, so we should use “raised out.”
Rise versus raise: using “rise” for the resurrection would mean that the Lord Jesus came up from the dead by Himself, whereas using “raise” would mean that the Lord Jesus was made alive by the Father. The beloved Son of God can rise up by Himself, but what has happened here is that the Father has raised Him up.
In fact, the Gospels report other appearances of the Lord Jesus, and this would be the seventh appearance, but this marks the third appearance of the resurrected Lord to the disciples as a group. We can enumerate the seven appearances as follows: to Mary, to the group of women, to Peter, to the two disciples, the first appearance to the disciples as a group on the first day, the second appearance of the disciples eight days after, and the third appearance to the disciples by the sea. See Comments John 20:2).
The beloved Son of God has appeared for the disciples and others to confirm their faith and help them when tested. Appearing for the disciples will give them a stronger heart of faith in going out to spread the good news to the world. The disciples will face many challenges, but the appearance of the Lord of Life will help them in the future. Humans stay with the old belief and have a hard time accepting the truth that the beloved Son of God has shown and taught them. While He was human on earth, He taught many things, and now the resurrected Lord of life also wants to teach humans more.
Rise versus raise: using “rise” for the resurrection would mean that the Lord Jesus came up from the dead by Himself, whereas using “raise” would mean that the Lord Jesus was made alive by the Father. The beloved Son of God can rise up by Himself, but what has happened here is that the Father has raised Him up.
In fact, the Gospels report other appearances of the Lord Jesus, and this would be the seventh appearance, but this marks the third appearance of the resurrected Lord to the disciples as a group. We can enumerate the seven appearances as follows: to Mary, to the group of women, to Peter, to the two disciples, the first appearance to the disciples as a group on the first day, the second appearance of the disciples eight days after, and the third appearance to the disciples by the sea. See Comments John 20:2).
The beloved Son of God has appeared for the disciples and others to confirm their faith and help them when tested. Appearing for the disciples will give them a stronger heart of faith in going out to spread the good news to the world. The disciples will face many challenges, but the appearance of the Lord of Life will help them in the future. Humans stay with the old belief and have a hard time accepting the truth that the beloved Son of God has shown and taught them. While He was human on earth, He taught many things, and now the resurrected Lord of life also wants to teach humans more.
[15]
Therefore, when they had breakfast, Jesus says to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of John, love you Me more than these? He says to Him , Yes, Lord ; Thou know that I dearly love Thee . He says to him, Feed My lambs.
Comments John 21:15
“Therefore, when they had breakfast, … more than these?” The beloved Son of God has talked explicitly with Peter about what His eyes have seen right now regarding the resurrected Lord of life and the interaction that he has in person with the Lord. All of these things the beloved Son of God wants him to remember because in the future he will face challenges that could make him doubt in his own mind for what he has seen. What the eyes would see and what the ear would hear from people could make Peter’s heart waver. However, this question will make him always remember that the Lord of Life has asked him, “Love you Me more than these?” The love that Peter has for the Lord of Life at this moment will help him to go through the challenges of life in the future.
“Love you Me more than these?” In this place, the beloved Son of God wants to remind Peter as well that all things come easily, but is he staying in faith because everything comes too easily, or because of the true love for the Lord of life and his willingness to serve Him even in the hard time as well; easy, but there is a price to pay as well. In order to have the food for life, everyone must remain in faith and meditation on the teachings of the beloved Son of God; if you do not meditate on the Holy Word, your faith will also wither. Remember, as well, that nothing comes without doing work; to have faith, you must meditate on the Holy Word and keep yourself according to the teachings of the Lord.
“He says to Him, Yes, Lord; Thou know that I dearly love Thee.” As the verse has told, Peter himself, as a disciple of the beloved Son of God, has said clearly here that the beloved Son of God knows everything and His knowledge is beyond what every human can understand. And also, Peter himself has said things to confirm to the beloved Son of God that his love towards the beloved Son of God is greater than anyone can have; let everyone notice from his answer, “I dearly love Thee,” the love that is greater than normal he has for the Lord.
“He says to him, Feed My lambs.” The beloved Son of God has directed Peter towards the duty he has received. In this place, to feed the lambs means always to tell what the beloved Son of God has done while He was with them on earth and also tell about the feeling and experience that he had encountered while he has spent time with the beloved Son of God, and that the beloved Son of God always knows things before they happen and nothing can happen without the beloved Son of God allows it to be. Therefore, the beloved Son of God has given him the duty to preach the Word and tell all humans which he will meet about the teachings of the beloved Son of God and what the beloved Son of God means for him. When talking to unknown people regarding the beloved Son of God, he must use his own experience to be able to put all things together and connect with the outsiders.
“Love you Me more than these?” In this place, the beloved Son of God wants to remind Peter as well that all things come easily, but is he staying in faith because everything comes too easily, or because of the true love for the Lord of life and his willingness to serve Him even in the hard time as well; easy, but there is a price to pay as well. In order to have the food for life, everyone must remain in faith and meditation on the teachings of the beloved Son of God; if you do not meditate on the Holy Word, your faith will also wither. Remember, as well, that nothing comes without doing work; to have faith, you must meditate on the Holy Word and keep yourself according to the teachings of the Lord.
“He says to Him, Yes, Lord; Thou know that I dearly love Thee.” As the verse has told, Peter himself, as a disciple of the beloved Son of God, has said clearly here that the beloved Son of God knows everything and His knowledge is beyond what every human can understand. And also, Peter himself has said things to confirm to the beloved Son of God that his love towards the beloved Son of God is greater than anyone can have; let everyone notice from his answer, “I dearly love Thee,” the love that is greater than normal he has for the Lord.
“He says to him, Feed My lambs.” The beloved Son of God has directed Peter towards the duty he has received. In this place, to feed the lambs means always to tell what the beloved Son of God has done while He was with them on earth and also tell about the feeling and experience that he had encountered while he has spent time with the beloved Son of God, and that the beloved Son of God always knows things before they happen and nothing can happen without the beloved Son of God allows it to be. Therefore, the beloved Son of God has given him the duty to preach the Word and tell all humans which he will meet about the teachings of the beloved Son of God and what the beloved Son of God means for him. When talking to unknown people regarding the beloved Son of God, he must use his own experience to be able to put all things together and connect with the outsiders.
[16]
He says to him again a second time, Simon, [son] of John, love you Me ? He says to Him , Yes, Lord ; Thou know that I dearly love Thee . He says to him, Tend My sheep.
Comments John 21:16
“He says to him again a second time, Simon, [son] of John, love you Me?” The second question that the Lord Jesus asked Peter refers only to his feelings towards the beloved Son Himself. The question addresses that there should be nothing doubtful between him and the Lord.
“He says to Him, Yes, Lord; Thou know that I dearly love Thee.” Now Peter has spoken regarding his heart, that he genuinely loves the beloved Son of God and wants only to serve Him alone.
“He says to him, Tend My sheep.” When the beloved Son of God says to tend the sheep, He also has given Peter the duty. As he travels or meets anyone, he must also check with them how much they understand the meaning of how to live life in following the beloved Son of God and give their life also to the Son of God.
“He says to Him, Yes, Lord; Thou know that I dearly love Thee.” Now Peter has spoken regarding his heart, that he genuinely loves the beloved Son of God and wants only to serve Him alone.
“He says to him, Tend My sheep.” When the beloved Son of God says to tend the sheep, He also has given Peter the duty. As he travels or meets anyone, he must also check with them how much they understand the meaning of how to live life in following the beloved Son of God and give their life also to the Son of God.
[17]
He says to him the third time, Simon, [son] of John, do you dearly love Me ? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you dearly love Me ? And he said to Him , Lord , Thou know all things; Thou know that I dearly love Thee . Jesus says to him, Feed My sheep.
Comments John 21:17
“He says to him the third time, Simon, [son] of John, do you dearly love Me?” Now the beloved Son of God has asked Peter, according to his own answer, if he himself also understands his own answer. So, now, Peter must think as well if he truly loves the Lord as he said. When the beloved Son of God asked him, the way he answered this also made an impact on his own heart, and Peter is thinking about what the beloved Son of God means for him, just for himself (Peter) or as well regarding what duty he should do, but still Peter himself also must think of his own duty towards the beloved Son of God.
“Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you dearly love Me?” The question the beloved Son of God asked regarding Peter’s own answer made him feel sad in his soul. Peter himself also felt that the beloved Son of God had doubt in his love towards Him, and that made him have grief in his heart deeply, but this grief in him will save him later on in life. Remember, as well, Peter, as a disciple, will face many challenges, and because the beloved Son of God has repeated the question to him, with this feeling of grief, it will help him to be able to face all challenges, and even when Peter’s faith itself will be challenged in the future, this experience will always help him.
“And he said to Him, Lord, Thou know all things; Thou know that I dearly love Thee.” In Peter’s heart, he has acknowledged as well that the beloved Son of God knows everything, and the beloved Son of God knows even what the mind of man is thinking. The question the beloved Son of God has repeated to him has made his soul stay firm and think hard about the answer. The answer that Peter gave to the beloved Son of God was from the depths of his own heart; also, in his heart, he truly loved the beloved Son of God, and he was willing to serve the beloved Son of God all his life. However, this question has also created fear in him, thinking that if indeed it was possible for him, he does not truly love the beloved Son of God. Therefore, Peter will keep asking this question in his own heart when the trouble comes.
“Jesus says to him, Feed My sheep.” Make the difference between the lambs and the sheep. The sheep are fully grown and have already known the Lord, but the lambs themselves are the souls of the innocent who have not had a chance yet to grow in the teaching of the Lord. When the beloved Son of God has told him to tend them, it means taking care of them and telling them what they should do. But when the beloved Son of God has told him to feed the sheep, we must also consider what food he must feed them. Peter has known the teachings of the beloved Son of God, and it became his duty to use the knowledge he received to feed those sheep; the teachings he has received from the beloved Son of God are the true food for the sheep.
Regardless of what to feed sheep or lambs, there is only one food: the teaching of the beloved Son of God. The sheep also will need advice, but the advice that can be used to feed the sheep will be only the knowledge that Peter has received during the time the beloved Son of God was with him, and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
“Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you dearly love Me?” The question the beloved Son of God asked regarding Peter’s own answer made him feel sad in his soul. Peter himself also felt that the beloved Son of God had doubt in his love towards Him, and that made him have grief in his heart deeply, but this grief in him will save him later on in life. Remember, as well, Peter, as a disciple, will face many challenges, and because the beloved Son of God has repeated the question to him, with this feeling of grief, it will help him to be able to face all challenges, and even when Peter’s faith itself will be challenged in the future, this experience will always help him.
“And he said to Him, Lord, Thou know all things; Thou know that I dearly love Thee.” In Peter’s heart, he has acknowledged as well that the beloved Son of God knows everything, and the beloved Son of God knows even what the mind of man is thinking. The question the beloved Son of God has repeated to him has made his soul stay firm and think hard about the answer. The answer that Peter gave to the beloved Son of God was from the depths of his own heart; also, in his heart, he truly loved the beloved Son of God, and he was willing to serve the beloved Son of God all his life. However, this question has also created fear in him, thinking that if indeed it was possible for him, he does not truly love the beloved Son of God. Therefore, Peter will keep asking this question in his own heart when the trouble comes.
“Jesus says to him, Feed My sheep.” Make the difference between the lambs and the sheep. The sheep are fully grown and have already known the Lord, but the lambs themselves are the souls of the innocent who have not had a chance yet to grow in the teaching of the Lord. When the beloved Son of God has told him to tend them, it means taking care of them and telling them what they should do. But when the beloved Son of God has told him to feed the sheep, we must also consider what food he must feed them. Peter has known the teachings of the beloved Son of God, and it became his duty to use the knowledge he received to feed those sheep; the teachings he has received from the beloved Son of God are the true food for the sheep.
Regardless of what to feed sheep or lambs, there is only one food: the teaching of the beloved Son of God. The sheep also will need advice, but the advice that can be used to feed the sheep will be only the knowledge that Peter has received during the time the beloved Son of God was with him, and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
[18]
Truly, truly, I say to you, When you were younger, you dressed yourself, and walked where you desired; however, when you will be old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and will bring you where you desire not.
Comments John 21:18
Now the beloved Son of God has told Peter about his future. Now, at this time, he can do things on his own, he can go anyplace his heart wishes, but it will come the time when, even though he is not that old yet, he will not be able to do any of these. He will face physical difficulties to the point where he will need to rely on others’ mercy to help him, but the Lord has also let him know ahead of time that the life in his future is not going to be easy.
Still, if he does not turn away from the beloved Son of God’s teaching, he would also receive help; the beloved Son of God would send help for him in his time of need. By accepting the challenges of life and not complaining, staying in prayer, and not wavering, even if the death point comes, when Peter faces the suffering of death in his old age, he will succeed if he stays firm in the faith. If someone must dress him, his physical body becomes a challenge; in that case, he cannot dress himself anymore, but this does not mean he has become handicapped; it means only difficulty in his physical body, so he can no longer do as others do; also, it is not related to old age; the physical body will become limiting for him because of the suffering of being a believer.
“And will bring you where you desire not.” This part of the verse refers to the idols of different religions. The place where people worship the wrong gods is not the place that Peter wants to associate with, but he has no ability to stop it. They will take him to those places and have him watch other people worship the dark side (the verse has told where he desires not).
“And will bring you where you desire not.” This part of the verse refers to the idols of different religions. The place where people worship the wrong gods is not the place that Peter wants to associate with, but he has no ability to stop it. They will take him to those places and have him watch other people worship the dark side (the verse has told where he desires not).
[19]
Now this He said, signifying by what manner of death he will glorify God . And when He had said this, He says to him, Follow Me .
Comments John 21:19
“Now this He said, signifying by what manner of death he will glorify God.” In Peter’s old age, his will to worship the beloved Son of God is stronger, and when they have brought him to the place of the dark, which his heart does not want to go, he refuses to do the worship as they are, and in his heart, he is willing to die before doing that.
This verse tells all readers clearly that the suffering of his death will occur. He does not want to go to a place where people do not worship the beloved Son of God, but the dark side. The death of Peter would show the suffering he would receive because of denying the worship of the dark. Peter, the true worshiper of the living God, is also willing to accept death instead of worshiping the dark side. Let all readers think of themselves as well; do you want to have a comfortable life on this earth by worshiping the dark or die a suffering death because you worship the beloved Son of God?
“And when He had said this, He says to him, Follow Me.” The verse itself tells all readers clearly: follow the beloved Son of God, even if you think the road ahead is suffering, but the pleasure of the earthly things cannot compare with the most valuable and precious treasure of heavenly things; the earthly and heavenly are on opposite ways of happiness. Take the example of Peter as well; in his old age on earth, he did not seek the pleasures of this earth but sought the pleasure of heavenly things by following the beloved Son of God. Here in this place, the beloved Son of God has encouraged Peter as well; so follow the example of the beloved Son of God, and you will be happy in enjoying the time with God as well.
Q: Should we follow what the traditional writings say about what happened to Peter? A: If anyone wants to know more about Peter, they should pray; however, the Bible does not tell more than this.
“And when He had said this, He says to him, Follow Me.” The verse itself tells all readers clearly: follow the beloved Son of God, even if you think the road ahead is suffering, but the pleasure of the earthly things cannot compare with the most valuable and precious treasure of heavenly things; the earthly and heavenly are on opposite ways of happiness. Take the example of Peter as well; in his old age on earth, he did not seek the pleasures of this earth but sought the pleasure of heavenly things by following the beloved Son of God. Here in this place, the beloved Son of God has encouraged Peter as well; so follow the example of the beloved Son of God, and you will be happy in enjoying the time with God as well.
Q: Should we follow what the traditional writings say about what happened to Peter? A: If anyone wants to know more about Peter, they should pray; however, the Bible does not tell more than this.
[20]
Peter, turning about, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also reclined on His bosom at the supper, and said, Lord , who is he that betrays Thee ?
Comments John 21:21
It is not only Peter alone who wants to know the end of this disciple. However, about the disciple whom the Lord Jesus loved, as mentioned in the Holy Bible, no one needs to know what will happen to him. Only remember that the beloved Son of God has loved this disciple, and also this disciple has dedicated his life to following the beloved Son of God, and also the beloved Son of God has given him the work to do as well.
[22]
Jesus says to him, If I desire that he remains until I come, what [is it] to you? You Follow Me !
Comments John 21:22
The beloved Son of God also wants to remind Peter to do his own duty and not worry concerning someone else’s duty. This disciple will remain as long as the Lord wants him and do the work the Lord has for him; and whatever work the Lord gives him, nobody needs to be concerned, and Peter himself should not worry as well.
All the apostles needed to be separated out for the work; if all were to stay in a group, the work would not be done. However, some may face difficult situations, while others may succeed and achieve great things, and still, some will work in unknown places. Therefore, for each, the Lord has a place to do work, and that disciple will be in the right place and spreading the Gospel among people.
[23]
This saying, therefore, went out among the brethren, that that disciple does not die, however, Jesus did not say to him, that he does not die; but, If I desire that he remains until I come, what [is it] to you?
Comments John 21:23
Regardless of what others think, John has received this verse from the Lord. This verse itself is special on its own, and the Lord gave it to John specifically to put it down because the spirit of John was clean to accept the complex work before thinking and asking why the Lord gave it to him. This is shown as well throughout his Gospel; when John received the Word, John did not go out and search if it was true or not, but trusted the Lord that it was true and wrote it down as the Lord gave it to him.
This verse shows all humans that people do not take the Word of the Lord as it is written, but try to interpret what the Word should mean before understanding it. The disciple also had the same problem as normal people. What the beloved Son has said, they also tried to interpret beyond what is written, and here it has been told clearly: do not take what you think, but only what has been told you and given by the Holy Spirit.
This verse shows all humans that people do not take the Word of the Lord as it is written, but try to interpret what the Word should mean before understanding it. The disciple also had the same problem as normal people. What the beloved Son has said, they also tried to interpret beyond what is written, and here it has been told clearly: do not take what you think, but only what has been told you and given by the Holy Spirit.
[24]
This is the disciple bearing witness concerning these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Comments John 21:24
Notice that John accepts himself as a witness about the things regarding the Lord Jesus, and when the witness has testified, let the readers pay attention. If he did not see it as true, he would not put them down as well; what the beloved Son has said, and what the Holy Spirit dictated to him, he has put down, and not what others understood.
[25]
And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, I suppose not even the world itself will have space for the books to be written.
Comments John 21:25
As the verse itself has told all true believers, the beloved Son of God has spent many years on earth and has passed through all the sufferings of life as all humans do, but He never commits any sin, neither by speaking, thinking, nor by the heart. The beloved Son of God has taken all the challenges of life that all humans face, but He never sinned at all. Therefore, there is only one human on this earth that never sinned, and that human is the beloved Son of God; and now the beloved Son of God has taken His human form to heaven and is sitting at the right hand of the Father in human form; only one human body will be left, and that one is Him alone.
Q: Why did the Holy Spirit use three Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, to give many similar events when the Gospel of John says that the Lord did many other miracles? A: Think humanly as well: if the Lord gives only one writer for the Gospel, the people will come against the Holy Bible more because they will think that the Gospel story comes only from one opinion. However, when the Lord uses more than one writer to make the story match, then One Person, the Holy Spirit, tells the same story to more than one writer at a different time and in a different place.
Q: Why did the Holy Spirit use three Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, to give many similar events when the Gospel of John says that the Lord did many other miracles? A: Think humanly as well: if the Lord gives only one writer for the Gospel, the people will come against the Holy Bible more because they will think that the Gospel story comes only from one opinion. However, when the Lord uses more than one writer to make the story match, then One Person, the Holy Spirit, tells the same story to more than one writer at a different time and in a different place.
Life and Faith Application. 1) We must always thank the Lord for everything He provides, little or big. 2) People can read the Holy Bible, which will never be less meaningful if they read with faith and belief; the same Holy Bible will catch many souls; there is no limitation for the Holy Word to capture any soul. 3) In order to have the food for the life of the soul, everyone must remain in faith and meditation on the teaching of the beloved Son of God; if we do not meditate on the Holy Word, the faith also will wither. 4) We must remain in faith until the end of our lives on this earth, regardless of the difficulty in life or the persecution we might suffer because of our faith.