John 21: Jesus Ask Peter, Do You Love Me

Read John chapter 21

Introduction: The final chapter of the Gospel of John, chapter 21, gives us a spiritual conclusion to the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. It outlines key subjects important to His followers of restoration, love, and mission, as Jesus appears to His disciples for the third time after His resurrection. The chapter gives us a glimpse into the personal interactions between Jesus and His disciples, especially Peter, and it points out the importance of following Jesus and spreading His message to the world.

I. Jesus appears to His disciples (John 21:1-14)
Jesus appears to seven of His disciples as they are fishing on the Sea of Tiberias. Despite their efforts, they catch nothing until Jesus instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. This miracle serves as a reminder of Jesus’ power and authority, even after His resurrection. Other verses in the Bible that relate to these verses include Luke 5:4-6, where Jesus performs some miracles at the beginning of His ministry, and in Matthew 28:18 Jesus says all power is given to Him over the earth, and in Heaven, and btw, that includes the fish of the seas.

II. Jesus reinstates Peter (John 21:15-19)
After breakfast, Jesus gets personal with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus commands him to feed His sheep, pointing out Peter’s role in leading and caring for the early church. This conversation also is a restoration of Peter after his three denials of Jesus before the crucifixion. More verses in the Bible that relate to these include Luke 22:54-62, where Peter denies Jesus, and Acts 2:14-41, where Peter boldly proclaims the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost.

III. Jesus speaks of the future (John 21:20-23)
As they walk, Peter asks Jesus about the future of another disciple, John. Jesus responds by pointing out that each disciple has their own path and mission, and that Peter should focus on following Him. This conversation sheds light on the individual calling of each believer to serve Christ in their own unique way. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 shows of the variety of gifts and roles within the body of Christ, and each person has something they can do or give. And in Matthew 4:19, where Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, knowing that each one of them will have their own path to follow for the furtherance of the gospel.

IV. Conclusion of this Gospel (John 21:24-25)
The chapter ends with John’s affirmation of the truth of the events recorded in the Gospel and noting that there are many more things that Jesus did which are not written in the book. This ending emphasizes the reliability of the Gospel account and the vast impact of Jesus’ life and ministry. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness; this is what John is affirming here.  And in Revelation 1:1-2, John the Revelator testifies to the revelation of Jesus Christ, inspired by Jesus Himself.

Conclusion: John 21 gives us a dynamic ending to the Gospel of John, pointing out the topics of restoration, love, and mission. Through Jesus’ interactions with His disciples, we see the importance of obedience, forgiveness, and the unique calling of each believer. The chapter challenges us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, to care for His people, and to spread the Good News to the world. We as believers should be encouraged and inspired by the Gospel of John, to live out our faith with boldness and love, trusting in the power and authority of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen