October 27, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 21
1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
John Chapter 21 describes one of the final encounters of Jesus with His disciples after His resurrection. It takes place by the Sea of Tiberias, where Jesus miraculously appears to His disciples and gives them renewed confirmation of His authority and love. The role of Peter, who receives a special task from Jesus, is particularly emphasized, as well as the relationship between Peter and the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” This chapter concludes the Gospel of John and underscores the importance of personal faith and following Jesus.
Commentary:
The chapter begins with a seemingly ordinary scene: Peter and some other disciples return to their former activity of fishing. This return to everyday life perhaps reflects their uncertainty about how to proceed after Jesus’ resurrection. Despite all their efforts, they catch nothing all night—a sign that human endeavors without God’s guidance often remain unsuccessful.
Jesus appears on the shore, unrecognized by the disciples, and asks them if they have caught anything. His instruction to cast the net on the right side of the boat leads to an overwhelming catch, so large that the disciples can barely pull the net in. This miracle echoes an earlier encounter between Jesus and Peter, where a similar miracle occurred (Luke 5:1-11). This repetition highlights the disciples’ ongoing dependence on Jesus and His willingness to meet them even in their daily lives.
It is John who first recognizes that it is Jesus, and Peter acts immediately: he jumps into the water to reach Jesus as quickly as possible. This impulsive and passionate reaction is typical of Peter and demonstrates his deep longing to see Jesus again. When they finally arrive at the shore, they find Jesus who has already prepared a fire with fish and bread on it. This scene is a clear reminder of the Last Supper and points to the spiritual nourishment that Jesus offers His disciples.
A particularly significant moment is the conversation between Jesus and Peter. Three times, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”—a reference to Peter’s threefold denial before Jesus’ crucifixion. This triple question and answer serve as a form of restoration for Peter. Jesus entrusts him with the task of tending His “sheep,” confirming Peter’s future role as the leader and shepherd of the Christian community. It is an act of forgiveness and a renewal of trust in Peter, despite his earlier failure.
However, Jesus’ repeated question also presents a deeper challenge. He is not merely asking for affection but for a deep, unconditional love and commitment. Peter, who becomes distressed at the third question, realizes that Jesus knows everything, including his weaknesses and fears. Nevertheless, Peter once again confesses his love for Jesus, and Jesus entrusts him with the leadership of the community. This demonstrates that true discipleship is often shaped by weakness and failure but can be restored through God’s grace.
Another important moment in this chapter is the brief discussion about the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” When Peter asks what will happen to this disciple, Jesus gently corrects him, saying, “What does this matter to you? You must follow me!” This response emphasizes that each disciple has their own calling and that faith is a personal journey. Peter should not concern himself with the paths of others but focus on his own following of Jesus. This statement is not only directed at Peter but also to all believers who often get entangled in comparisons with others.
The chapter concludes with a reflection on John’s testimony and the many other deeds of Jesus that were not recorded. This highlights the limitations of written testimony and emphasizes that faith goes beyond what is written. The world could not fully capture all of Jesus’ works, leaving room for the boundless impact of His life and message.
Summary:
In John 21, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He performs a miracle by helping them catch a large number of fish after they had caught nothing all night. On the shore, Jesus shares a meal with them and restores Peter through a threefold questioning of his love for Jesus. Jesus entrusts Peter with the responsibility to lead His community and emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s own discipleship. The chapter ends with a reflection on John’s testimony and the acknowledgment that not all of Jesus’ deeds are recorded in the Scriptures. John 21 emphasizes personal discipleship, forgiveness, and the ongoing presence of Jesus in the community of His followers.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
This chapter is based on John 13:31-38; John 14; John 15; John 16; John 17.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 73 depicts the deep, moving words that Jesus gave to His disciples before His arrest and death. These sections of Scripture are particularly significant because Jesus prepares His disciples for the impending separation and encourages them not to despair despite the forthcoming difficulties. He emphasizes the necessity of faith in Him and in God and speaks about the importance of the Holy Spirit as a Comforter. The connection between the disciples and Jesus is highlighted as a vital component of the Christian faith, which remains relevant even today.
Commentary:
This chapter especially reveals the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples. Despite the sadness over His impending absence, Jesus strives to comfort them and provide them with a perspective of hope. He reveals the central significance of His sacrifice and emphasizes that His departure is not the end but the beginning of a new phase of their mission. The promise of the Holy Spirit shows that they will never be alone, even though He will no longer be physically with them. It is also interesting that Jesus highlights the importance of love and obedience. Love for God and for one another is emphasized as a sign of discipleship. This inner connection between love, faith, and obedience is a key to understanding and living out Christian discipleship.
Summary:
Chapter 73 describes the final moments that Jesus spent with His disciples before His arrest. He promises them that they will not remain alone but will receive the Holy Spirit as a Comforter. Jesus’ words emphasize the necessity of remaining in Him and obtaining eternal life through Him. Through the Holy Spirit, the disciples are empowered to continue Jesus’ work, accomplish greater things, and live in unity with one another. The chapter highlights the importance of faith, love, and obedience, which are necessary to remain connected to Christ. The message is timeless: even in difficult times, believers should trust in the Holy Spirit and be guided by the love and word of Christ.
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