[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 21
Bible Verses:
“He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” (John 21:6)
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you”. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17)
“Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)
JESUS AND THE MIRACULOUS CATCH OF FISH (vs. 1-14)
Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael and two other disciples were together at the sea of Tiberias catching fish at night, but caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shores called them and said: “Friends, haven’t you any fish? Throw your net on the side of the boat and you will find some. When they did, they caught a large number of fish. Then John recognized Jesus. When they rushed to the shores, Jesus told them to bring some of the fish and share breakfast with him. This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
JESUS REINSTATE PETER (vs. 15-25)
Questions of Jesus / Peter’s response / Command of Jesus
- “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” / “Yes Lord, you know that I love you” / “Feed my lambs”
- “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?” / “Yes Lord, you know that I love you” / “Take care of my sheep”
- “Simon, son of Joh, do you love me?” / “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you” / “Feed my sheep”
Jesus told Peter to follow him. when he saw Joh, he asked Jesus: “What about him?” Jesus answered: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (v. 22)
THOUGHTS:
- The disciples failed to catch fish for the whole night but Jesus appeared and instructed them ho to catch fish. They listened and were able to catch a large number of fish. If you failed in your works, listen to his instructions. Obey what he tells you to do because he never fails.
- This miraculous catch of fish reminded Peter of his call to service. He is to become “fishers of men”. Are you willing to be a “fisher of men”?
- Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him. Love in Greek hs different categories” ‘AGAPE’ signifies willful, unconditional and se;lf-sacrificial love. ‘PHILEO’ signifies affectionate, affinity or brotherly love. Jesus used ‘AGAPE’ for the first and second times, but Peter responded with ‘PHILEO’. So the third time, Jesus changed it to ‘PHILEO” because he understood Peter’s true feelings.
- Jesus told Peter to follow him. But Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus responded with; “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (v. 22) It is none of our business to know how Christ will do to his other workers. We are not to compare our lives with others or question his justice. Our business is to follow him.
- Peter confessed his sins and affirmed his love for Christ. Christ bless him to become a shepherd to care for his lambs and sheep. Let Christ take charge to turn our failure into success.
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