John chapter 21 is a beautiful and deeply personal conclusion to the Gospel, offering us reassurance, restoration, and a reminder of our calling. After all the events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, this chapter brings us back to a moment of simplicity—a quiet encounter by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus reveals himself once again to his disciples.
The scene opens with a group of disciples, including Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two others, gathered by the sea. Peter, restless and uncertain of what comes next, announces, "I am going fishing." The others join him, and together they go out in the boat. This moment reflects a reality we all face at times. After life-changing experiences, after seasons of great intensity, we often return to what is familiar, to what we know. But that night, despite their best efforts, they catch nothing.
At dawn, a figure stands on the shore. He calls out to them, asking if they have caught anything. When they admit they have not, he instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they do, the net becomes so full of fish that they struggle to pull it in. In that moment, John recognizes the man on the shore—it is Jesus. Peter, ever impulsive, immediately jumps into the water, unable to wait for the boat to reach the shore. The rest of the disciples follow, bringing the overflowing net with them.
When they reach land, they find a charcoal fire already burning, with fish and bread prepared. Jesus invites them to bring some of their fish and then tells them, "Come and have breakfast." This simple act is profound. Jesus, the risen Lord, does not just perform mighty miracles or give great teachings—he also meets us in the ordinary moments, providing for our needs and inviting us to fellowship with him. He takes time to eat with his friends, reminding us that he is not a distant Savior but one who walks with us in the everyday aspects of life.
After breakfast, Jesus turns his attention to Peter. This is a deeply personal exchange, one that carries great significance. Peter had denied Jesus three times during the night of his trial. Now, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time, Peter affirms his love, though he grows sorrowful at the repeated questioning. But Jesus is not trying to shame Peter—he is restoring him. With each response, Jesus gives Peter a mission: "Feed my lambs," "Shepherd my sheep," "Feed my sheep." Jesus is not only forgiving Peter, but also reaffirming his calling. Peter is not cast aside because of his failure; he is reinstated and given responsibility in the kingdom.
This moment speaks to all of us. We have all experienced failure, moments when we have fallen short, denied Jesus in some way, or acted in fear rather than faith. Yet Jesus does not leave us in our failures. He calls us back, restores us, and sends us forward with purpose. His grace is greater than our mistakes, and his love is unwavering.
Jesus then tells Peter something even more profound. He speaks of the kind of death Peter will face, a death that will glorify God. He calls Peter to follow him, even knowing that the path will lead to suffering. This is the cost of discipleship—loving Jesus means being willing to follow him wherever he leads, even when it requires great sacrifice.
Peter, still processing all of this, turns and sees John following them. He asks Jesus, "What about him?" Jesus replies, "If I desire that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." This response is a powerful reminder to us all. We often compare our journey with others, wondering about their calling, their path, their struggles. But Jesus' words to Peter apply to us as well—our focus should not be on others, but on following him. Each of us has a unique role in God's plan, and we are called to trust him with our journey.
The Gospel of John ends with a testimony that there are many other things Jesus did, so many that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written if they were all recorded. This reminds us that Jesus’ work continues beyond what is written—he is still moving, still revealing himself, still calling us to follow him.
John chapter 21 is an invitation for us to recognize Jesus in our daily lives, to trust in his restoration, and to embrace our calling. Whether we feel like we have failed or are uncertain of what comes next, Jesus meets us where we are. He provides for us, calls us by name, and invites us to follow him with renewed purpose. His love is personal, his grace is abundant, and his mission is for each of us.