Primary Texts: John 21:1-25
Memory Verse: He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” John 21:17-18
Introduction:
John writes about three different visits to the apostles, although the ending of John indicates that He probably had other talks with them that were not recorded. Remember, the first visit—where He breathed on the apostles and declared the soon coming of the Holy Spirit—was followed by the visit where He allowed Thomas to see His wounds and declared that those who have not seen Him physically and believed were blessed. Then once again, Jesus visited and gave one of His final lessons here on earth.
The final scene in the Gospel of John again places Jesus as the Host at a feast. This time, it is preceded by an example of Jesus’ power. When the seven disciples that were gathered to fish followed Jesus’ commands, they were blessed with an extraordinary catch. Jesus then provides them with a meal of fish and bread. The Master now pointedly questions Peter about his devotion, restoring to him an urgent sense of purpose and ministry. As he denied Christ three times, so now Christ asked three times if he loved Him. Even as the Master is feeding him, Peter is to prove his love and loyalty by feeding Christ’s church.
The last words of Jesus recorded in John should give us pause. The answer by Jesus was apparently misunderstood, and John’s own correction to that shows us how easy it is to miss the real message in our search for truth.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Prior to Jesus appearing on shore, what was significant about the fishing expedition on the Sea of Galilee that Simon Peter led after the resurrection of Jesus? John 21:1-3
- When Jesus arrived at the Sea of Galilee that morning, what instructions did He call out to the men fishing, and what results did they have? John 21:4-6, 8, 11
- Of what occurrence earlier in the ministry of Jesus should this event have reminded them? Luke 5:4-7
- Explain the significance of the meal that Jesus served to His disciples at the seashore. John 21:7-14
- Discuss the implications of Peter’s questioning by Jesus. John 21:15-17
- What was Peter told was to be the primary ministry focus of his life? John 21:15-17
- What same directives would the apostles later give to ministers and overseers in the early church? 1 Peter 5:2-3; Acts 20:28-29 (See also Jeremiah 3:15 and 23:4)
- Discuss the benefit of Peter knowing how his life would end, and what meaning his death would have. John 21:18-19
- What do you think are Peter’s motives for asking about John, and what is the significance of Jesus’ response to Peter? John 21:20-23
- What final, powerful portrait does John portray at the end of his gospel concerning the life and ministry of Jesus Christ? John 21:24-25