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Chapter 21 is an epilogue to the book of John. As the
disciples waited for what would happen next, Peter wanted to go back to what he knew, fishing.
(John 21:3) Peter and the disciples caught nothing until they listened to the voice of Jesus.
When they listened in obedience to His instructions, their nets were full. When we
listen and depend on the Lord we will experience His power and His provision of personal need.
Each of us is called to live expecting in faith to receive the fruit He promised. When
we know Christ we are fishers of men, not in our own strength or wisdom, but in His. Three times by a charcoal fire Peter had denied Jesus. (See Mark 14:29.) Three times by this breakfast fire Jesus would restore Peter. He would become the disciple of power and authority that we see in Acts 2:14-41, where three thousand people were converted to belief in Christ in one day. This public restoration fitted Peter for leadership. He now realized his own weakness. Never again did Peter boast that he loves Jesus more than these. The Lord was strengthening his inner spirit so that he would have a clear understanding of what the Lord would call him to do. He would become the spiritual leader and spokesman of this new faith. Peter once said he would die for Christ and history tells us that he literally did. A disciple of Christ has a spiritual freedom which is based upon a total obedience to his chosen Master and Lord. Peter's fears and failures would soon be replaced with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 2.) Peter's courage would become one of his outstanding characteristics. When in verse 20 Peter saw John following them, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus guides Peter, and us, to an understanding that our walk with Christ is individual. It is as if He said, "You follow me, don't worry about John." We must not look to others, only to Christ. Our Lord has a personal relationship with each one of His children and a separate path for each. In our own strength and understanding we can never come to God. That is why He sent His Son to die upon a cross for our sins. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the unique Son of God? Have you received life through His name? If not, call to Him, for He has called you through the study of His Word. If you have yielded your spirit to His Lordship, then we, as Peter, are called by Jesus to "Feed my sheep," not in our strength, but in His. Jesus' words to Peter in verse 19 speak to you and me as well, "Follow Me!" |