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.
Commentary: After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee, where they experience a miraculous catch of fish. This event echoes their first encounter with Him, reminding them of His power and calling. Yet, even in His glorified, resurrected state, Jesus demonstrates His desire for relationship by acting and engaging with them as a normal man. He doesn’t distance Himself with grandeur but prepares breakfast, shares a meal, and blesses them in practical ways.
This moment shows that spiritual power and godliness do not replace the importance of relationship and approachability. Jesus’ love is revealed not only in the miraculous catch but in His humble and personal care for His disciples. By treating them with familiarity and kindness, He reminds them that love is lived out in simple, tangible ways.
Application: Show love by being approachable and relational, even when striving to live a godly life. Follow Jesus’ example by sharing meals, serving others in practical ways, and building relationships. Let your actions demonstrate that holiness does not create distance but invites closeness, fostering connection and care.
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.
Commentary: Jesus lovingly restores Peter after his denial, not by condemning him, but by addressing him in a deeply personal and specific way. By asking Peter three times if he loves Him, Jesus mirrors Peter’s threefold denial, offering him the chance to affirm his love and reaffirm his commitment. Each question and commission—“Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” “Feed my sheep”—is carefully chosen to speak to Peter’s doubts and challenges, reminding him of his calling and purpose.
Jesus’ approach shows profound love and wisdom. His words are not generic; they are tailored to Peter’s heart, addressing his personal journey of failure and restoration. Furthermore, by repeating the question three times, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the message, ensuring that Peter truly understands and receives it. This repetition is not redundant—it is intentional, reinforcing the truth Peter needed to grasp.
In addition, Jesus taught Peter that loving Him means providing for others. Nourishing the flock of fellow believers is the way that one's love for Christ is both demonstrated and cultivated.
Application: Love others by speaking in a way that meets their unique needs and circumstances. Take time to understand who you are speaking to, and tailor your words to resonate with their challenges and doubts. Don’t rely on generic encouragement; offer thoughtful, specific counsel that speaks to the heart.
Additionally, when an idea or truth is particularly important, don’t hesitate to repeat it. Repetition, done in love, can help someone fully grasp and internalize the message. Like Jesus with Peter, let your words be both personal and purposeful, restoring, equipping, and encouraging others to step into their God-given calling.
Along the way, think of how you can better provide for those under your care. Provide physically and spiritually, mindful that in so doing you are directly loving Jesus.
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.
Commentary: As Peter notices John following them, he asks Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus responds by gently redirecting Peter's focus, saying, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." This moment reveals Jesus’ loving wisdom in teaching Peter an essential lesson about love: it requires trust in God's unique plan for each individual and avoiding comparison.
Love does not fixate on how others are called or blessed but celebrates God’s will for them without envy or distraction. By addressing Peter’s question directly, Jesus lovingly reminds him that his role is to trust and obey, not to compare his path with John’s. Love involves accepting God’s plan for our lives and others, trusting that His purposes are perfect and specific to each person.
Application:
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Avoid Comparison: Love others by not measuring your journey against theirs. Resist the urge to compare your calling, struggles, or blessings with those around you. Recognize that God’s plan for everyone is unique, and His love is perfectly tailored to each life.
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Celebrate Others’ Journeys: True love finds joy in others’ blessings or paths, even when they differ from your own. Instead of comparing, encourage and support them in their walk with God.
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Focus on Your Calling: Jesus’ words to Peter remind us to prioritize our relationship with Him and our specific calling. Love God by trusting Him fully and following Him with unwavering faith, no matter how He leads others.
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.