John 21
BSB1 Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus again revealed Himself to the disciples. He made Himself known in this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they said. So they went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not recognize that it was Jesus. 5 So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea. 8 The other disciples came ashore in the boat. They dragged in the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, only about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus told them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn. 12 “Come, have breakfast,” Jesus said to them. None of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who are You?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and He did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs." 16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep." 17 Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me." 20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?" 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?" 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!" 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?" 24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who has written them down. And we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose that not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written.
Study Notes — John 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 21
- Themes from John 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Jesus appearing to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee, where they had returned to fishing. Jesus performs a miracle by filling their nets with fish, and then He invites them to breakfast on the shore. After breakfast, Jesus restores Peter by asking him three times if he loves Him, corresponding to Peter's three denials of Jesus. Jesus then gives Peter a commission to feed His sheep and follow Him. The chapter concludes with Jesus predicting Peter's martyrdom and giving the disciples a final commission to follow Him. Key verses include John 21:1-14, where Jesus appears to the disciples, and John 21:15-22, where Jesus restores Peter and gives the final commission.
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 21 is the final chapter of the Gospel of John and provides a conclusion to Jesus' ministry on earth. This chapter is set after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, and it provides a final commission to the disciples to follow Him. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it emphasizes the importance of discipleship and obedience in the Christian life, which is a theme throughout the New Testament.
Heart Application
As we reflect on John chapter 21, we are called to examine our own lives and consider whether we are following Jesus. Are we obedient to His commands and faithful to our commission as disciples? We are also called to care for and serve others, as Jesus commands us to "feed my sheep". By following Jesus and caring for others, we can live out our faith and demonstrate the love of Christ to a world in need.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 21 is about Jesus restoring Peter and giving the disciples a final commission to follow Him. Jesus performs a miracle by filling their nets with fish and then invites them to breakfast on the shore. After breakfast, Jesus restores Peter and gives him a commission to feed His sheep. We are called to follow Jesus and care for others, as seen in John 21:19 and John 21:15-17.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest joy of the Christian life is to follow Jesus and to be faithful to our commission as disciples. As we see in John 21:19, Jesus says "Follow me!" and this is the greatest commandment of all.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The restoration of Peter is a reminder of God's mercy and love. As we see in John 21:15-17, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep and calls us to follow Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus appears to the disciples (John 21:1-14) — Jesus performs a miracle by filling their nets with fish and then invites them to breakfast on the shore.
- Jesus restores Peter (John 21:15-17) — Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him and gives him a commission to feed His sheep.
- Jesus gives the final commission (John 21:18-22) — Jesus predicts Peter's martyrdom and gives the disciples a final commission to follow Him.
- The disciples' response (John 21:20-23) — The disciples are curious about Jesus' statement to Peter, but Jesus tells them to follow Him.
- Conclusion (John 21:24-25) — The Gospel of John concludes with a statement about the authenticity of the eyewitness account and the abundance of Jesus' signs.
Core Doctrines
- The deity of Christ
- John chapter 21 emphasizes Jesus' power and authority, as seen in the miracle of the filled nets. This demonstrates His deity and underscores the importance of faith and trust in the Christian life.
- The importance of discipleship
- The chapter highlights the importance of discipleship and obedience in the Christian life, as Jesus commands the disciples to follow Him and care for others.
- The love and mercy of God
- The restoration of Peter is a reminder of God's love and mercy, as Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep and calls us to follow Him.
- The commission of the church
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of the church's commission to care for and serve others, as Jesus commands us to "feed my sheep".
Lessons from John 21
- The importance of obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian life, as Jesus commands the disciples to follow Him and care for others.
- The love and mercy of God — The restoration of Peter is a reminder of God's love and mercy, as Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep and calls us to follow Him.
- The commission of the church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the church's commission to care for and serve others, as Jesus commands us to "feed my sheep".
- The importance of discipleship — The chapter highlights the importance of discipleship and obedience in the Christian life, as Jesus commands the disciples to follow Him and care for others.
- The deity of Christ — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' power and authority, as seen in the miracle of the filled nets. This demonstrates His deity and underscores the importance of faith and trust in the Christian life.
Themes from John 21
- Restoration and forgiveness — The chapter emphasizes the theme of restoration and forgiveness, as Jesus restores Peter and gives him a commission to feed His sheep.
- Discipleship and obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of discipleship and obedience in the Christian life, as Jesus commands the disciples to follow Him and care for others.
- The love and mercy of God — The restoration of Peter is a reminder of God's love and mercy, as Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep and calls us to follow Him.
- The commission of the church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the church's commission to care for and serve others, as Jesus commands us to "feed my sheep".
- The deity of Christ — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' power and authority, as seen in the miracle of the filled nets. This demonstrates His deity and underscores the importance of faith and trust in the Christian life.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to follow Jesus, and how can we apply this to our lives?
- How does Jesus' restoration of Peter relate to our own experiences of failure and forgiveness?
- What does it mean to "feed my sheep", and how can we care for and serve others in our daily lives?
- How does Jesus' final commission to the disciples relate to our own calling as Christians?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faith and trust in the Christian life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus appears to the disciples (John 21:1-14)
| John 21:1 | The disciples had returned to fishing, but Jesus appears to them and performs a miracle by filling their nets with fish. |
| John 21:2 | The disciples do not recognize Jesus at first, but then they realize it is the Lord. |
| John 21:3 | The disciples had caught nothing all night, but Jesus tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. |
| John 21:4 | The disciples obey Jesus and catch a large number of fish. |
| John 21:5 | Jesus invites the disciples to breakfast on the shore. |
| John 21:6 | The disciples are amazed at the large number of fish they caught. |
| John 21:7 | The disciples realize it is the Lord and are amazed. |
| John 21:8 | The disciples bring the fish to the shore and Jesus invites them to breakfast. |
| John 21:9 | Jesus serves the disciples breakfast and they eat together. |
| John 21:10 | Jesus tells the disciples to bring some of the fish they caught. |
| John 21:11 | The disciples bring the fish to Jesus and He serves them breakfast. |
| John 21:12 | Jesus tells the disciples to come and have breakfast. |
| John 21:13 | Jesus serves the disciples breakfast and they eat together. |
| John 21:14 | This is the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. |
2. Jesus restores Peter (John 21:15-17)
| John 21:15 | Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him and Peter responds that he does. |
| John 21:16 | Jesus asks Peter again if he loves Him and Peter responds that he does. |
| John 21:17 | Jesus asks Peter a third time if he loves Him and Peter responds that he does, and Jesus gives him a commission to feed His sheep. |
3. Jesus gives the final commission (John 21:18-22)
| John 21:18 | Jesus predicts Peter's martyrdom and gives him a final commission to follow Him. |
| John 21:19 | Jesus tells Peter to follow Him, and Peter asks about John's fate. |
| John 21:20 | Jesus tells Peter that He will come back for John, but Peter is to follow Him. |
| John 21:21 | Peter asks Jesus about John's fate, but Jesus tells him to follow Him. |
| John 21:22 | Jesus tells Peter that if He wants John to remain until He comes back, that is not Peter's concern. |
4. The disciples' response (John 21:20-23)
| John 21:20 | The disciples are curious about Jesus' statement to Peter, but Jesus tells them to follow Him. |
| John 21:21 | Peter asks Jesus about John's fate, but Jesus tells him to follow Him. |
| John 21:22 | Jesus tells Peter that if He wants John to remain until He comes back, that is not Peter's concern. |
| John 21:23 | The disciples are confused about Jesus' statement, but Jesus tells them to follow Him. |
5. Conclusion (John 21:24-25)
| John 21:24 | The Gospel of John concludes with a statement about the authenticity of the eyewitness account. |
| John 21:25 | The Gospel of John concludes with a statement about the abundance of Jesus' signs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' appearance to the disciples in John 21:1-14?
Jesus' appearance to the disciples is significant because it demonstrates His power and authority, and it emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in the Christian life. As seen in John 21:1-14, Jesus performs a miracle by filling their nets with fish and then invites them to breakfast on the shore.
What is the meaning of Jesus' command to Peter to "feed my sheep"?
Jesus' command to Peter to "feed my sheep" is a commission to care for and serve others, and it emphasizes the importance of the church's commission to care for and serve others. As seen in John 21:15-17, Jesus gives Peter a commission to feed His sheep and emphasizes the importance of caring for others.
What is the significance of Jesus' prediction of Peter's martyrdom?
Jesus' prediction of Peter's martyrdom is significant because it emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life, even in the face of persecution and death. As seen in John 21:18-19, Jesus predicts Peter's martyrdom and gives him a final commission to follow Him.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 21:1 → Matthew 4:18-22 | The call of the disciples is similar to Jesus' appearance to them in John 21:1-14. |
| 2 | John 21:15 → Luke 22:31-34 | Peter's denial of Jesus is similar to Jesus' restoration of Peter in John 21:15-17. |
| 3 | John 21:19 → Matthew 16:24 | The call to follow Jesus is similar to Jesus' command to Peter to follow Him in John 21:19. |
| 4 | John 21:20 → Acts 12:1-17 | Peter's martyrdom is predicted by Jesus in John 21:18-19 and fulfilled in Acts 12:1-17. |
| 5 | John 21:21 → 1 John 2:1-2 | The importance of following Jesus is emphasized in John 21:21 and 1 John 2:1-2. |
| 6 | John 21:22 → Matthew 24:1-14 | The second coming of Jesus is predicted in Matthew 24:1-14 and alluded to in John 21:22. |
| 7 | John 21:23 → Acts 1:6-11 | The disciples' confusion about Jesus' statement is similar to their confusion about the timing of the kingdom in Acts 1:6-11. |
| 8 | John 21:24 → 1 John 1:1-4 | The authenticity of the eyewitness account is emphasized in John 21:24 and 1 John 1:1-4. |
| 9 | John 21:25 → John 20:30-31 | The abundance of Jesus' signs is emphasized in John 21:25 and is a theme throughout the Gospel of John. |
| 10 | John 21:1-25 → Psalm 23:1-4 | The theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is present in John 21:1-25 and Psalm 23:1-4. |
Sermons on John 21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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As He Is So Are We by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of focusing on minor things and neglecting the major aspects of the Christian faith. He criticizes the performance-oriented approa |
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Brokenness Study #3 - the Process by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing wit |
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God's Glory by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the common prayer among believers for revival and the sense that something is missing in their spiritual lives. He emphasizes the need to lea |
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The Human Face of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching both the goodness and severity of God to produce a healthy congregation. He highlights the human face of God as |
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Hearing Is a Divine Art by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the use of cliches in preaching and how it can lead to a lack of meaning in the Church. He emphasizes the importance of having open hearts to |
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Christian Growth 7 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Simon Peter meeting Jesus on the shore of a lake. The speaker emphasizes the new humility that Peter displays after his night of |
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I Go a Fishing by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter and his denial of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of loyalty and devotion to God, especially in times of difficulty. |
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Hearing Is a Divine Art - Take Heed How You Hear by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares the parable of the sower from Luke 8. He explains that the sower represents God, and the seed represents the word of God. The different types of |
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Authentic Missions, Part One by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. Johannon discusses the concept of authentic missions and what it looks like according to the teachings of Jesus. He begins by acknowledging that Jesus |
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Lovest Thou Me by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter meeting Jesus after his resurrection. The speaker acknowledges that many of us may have experienced disillusionment, defe |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 21
Matthew Henry's commentary on John 21 emphasizes the significance of Jesus' appearance to the disciples and His restoration of Peter. Henry notes that Jesus' command to Peter to "feed my sheep" is a commission to care for and serve others, and it emphasizes the importance of the church's commission to care for and serve others. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life, even in the face of persecution and death, as seen in Jesus' prediction of Peter's martyrdom. Throughout the commentary, Henry highlights the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who cares for His sheep and calls us to follow Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The disciples' lack of faith
Despite Jesus' previous appearances, the disciples still struggle with faith and doubt. This is evident in John 21:1-14, where they fail to recognize Jesus at first.
Jesus' patience and love
Jesus is patient and loving with the disciples, even when they fail to recognize Him or struggle with faith. This is evident in John 21:15-22, where Jesus restores Peter and gives the final commission.
The importance of obedience
Jesus emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian life, as seen in John 21:19, where He says "Follow me!"