John's Gospel Bible Study: That You Might Believe John 21 Jesus With the Apostles Beside The Sea

John's Gospel Bible Study: That You Might Believe
John 21 Jesus With the Apostles Beside The Sea

The meeting at the Sea of Galilee (Tiberius)
We are not told how many days have passed since the resurrection of Jesus or since the Disciples last saw him. John says in vs.14 it is the third time the disciples have seen him since the resurrection.

Why were the disciples in Galilee?
Jesus had told them through Mary and the other women to go there and wait for him. We don’t know how long they have been waiting.  

The Draught of Fish
Why did Peter go fishing?
Perhaps he needed to provide for his family or maybe just something to fill the time while waiting as Jesus had instructed.

Was Peter giving up and going back to his old job of being a fisherman?
The term “I go” is like us saying “I’m going fishing.” Not a return to fishing as an occupation but simply a fishing trip. The fact that all the disciples (Thomas, Nathanael, and two other disciples) not just James and John, also go with him probably means they were just going out for a day of fishing.

The Original miracle of the draught of Fishes
Luke 5:4-9 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

Could there be a purpose in Jesus repeating the miracle of the draught of fish?
Perhaps, to reveal Himself, or to show He would still supply the need of his followers, or to renew and focus the call of the disciples to Himself.

Vs. 7. Who was the first to recognize Jesus?
John, that disciple Jesus loved.

Who was the first to greet the Lord?
Peter, who jumped in and swam about 100 yards to shore.

Vs. 7 Was Peter fishing in the nude?
No, the Greek word here is gymnos, which originally meant without clothes, which is how the Greek exercised and conducted the Olympics. By now the term meant nude or improperly clothed or clothed only in the inner garments. Peter was probably wearing only the light inner garment because he had taken off the heavier outer robe while fishing in the hot sun. But he could not greet the Lord dressed inappropriately.

In vs. 9 what is mentioned that might also remind the disciples that Jesus would always meet their needs?
One fish and bread, a reminder of the miracles of the loaves and fishes.

Vs. 12 Three “invitations” stand out in John’s Gospel: “Come and see” (John 1:39); “Come and drink” (John 7:37); and “Come and dine” (John 21:12) - Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary.

Peter’s three questions, answers, and commands.
Vs. 15-17 What questions does Jesus ask Peter 3 times?
15 Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?

Who are “these” in the first question Jesus asks?
Must refer to the other disciples and perhaps even his family and friend that are also in Galilee.

What are Peter’s answers?
15  Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
16 Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
17 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.

Why is Peter grieved when Jesus asks him the third time?
The first two times Jesus asked, “Lovest thou me?” he used the Greek word agape (sacrificial love, self-giving love).  The third time he asked he used the word phileo (brotherly love, reciprocal love). It could also simply be the 3 time repetition as if Jesus doesn’t accept His answer.

Why would Jesus ask Peter this question 3 times?
It may have been a reminder of the three denials of times Peter.

What would have been the purpose of bringing Peter to grief in questioning his love for Christ?
It was to lead Peter to an awareness of his own weakness and to brokenness.  He did love his Lord, but now that love needed to be strengthened though brokenness. When Jesus questions even his love, Peter breaks and looks to Jesus alone. “Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.”

Are there differences in the commands of Christ to Peter as well as the questions?
In the first command Peter is told to feed Christ’s lambs, the young and little ones in the faith.
In the second command Peter is told, “Feed my sheep.”  Literally, it says, “Shepherd (lead) my sheep.”
In the last command he is told “Feed my sheep.”

What was Jesus doing by giving Peter these commands?
Peter was to being commissioned as the pastor of the church after Jesus ascended. This needed to happen in front of the other apostles in order that there be no contentions later.

After Jesus’ last command for Peter to feed Jesus’ sheep, He gives a prophecy to Peter.

18-19 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst 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.

When John was writing his Gospel, Peter was already gone, tradition says he was crucified (stretch forth your hands, carry you where you would not choose). It was common knowledge by then and so John did not repeat the event only the prophecy which wasn’t known.

Peter and John
Vs. 20 Who was the disciple that followed behind Peter and Jesus?
John, who still does not identify himself in the text.

Why did Peter ask about him?
He was curious, this was the beloved apostle, the closest to Jesus throughout his ministry and Jesus had not spoken anything directly to him.

Jesus says if John was allowed to live till Jesus returned that was of no concern to Peter.  

Could this also be a prophecy concerning John?  How?
It may be a hint of John’s witnessing the revelation of Jesus on the isle of Patmos. Though as of the writing of John’s Gospel that was a yet future event.

What was Peter’s only concern when it came to the Lord?
You (emphatic emphasis) follow me!

Vs. 25 How does the last verse summarize John’s perspective of Jesus’ life on earth?
No book could contain all that He did. Jesus was and is too great. He transcends any records ever written of him.

Conclusion
The resurrection of Jesus and his appearance to Mary, the apostles and the other disciples proved that Jesus truly was the son of God, God in the flesh. He is the only way of salvation. The only One able to defeat death, sin and the grave. The cross and the tomb stand as the central events of all time and eternity. With the resurrection, the time of Christ upon the earth was finished and the work of the next several thousand years was begun. We are the recipients of the experiences, accounts and even the mistakes of those who walked, talked and experienced Christ while on the earth. We must strive to take full advantage of all that we have been blessed with and continue to faithfully serve, witness and walk with our risen Savior.