Bullet Point Bible

Jesus Appears and Provides a Miraculous Catch

¹ After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Now this is how he did so.² Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael (who was from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of his were together.³ Simon Peter told them, "I am going fishing." "We will go with you," they replied. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.⁴ When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.⁵ So Jesus said to them, "Children, you don't have any fish, do you?" They replied, No.⁶ He told them, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they threw the net, and were not able to pull it in because of the large number of fish.⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" So Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, tucked in his outer garment (for he had nothing on underneath it), and plunged into the sea.⁸ Meanwhile the other disciples came with the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, only about a hundred yards.⁹ When they got out on the beach, they saw a charcoal fire ready with a fish placed on it, and bread.¹⁰ Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you have just now caught."¹¹ So Simon Peter went aboard and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, 153, but although there were so many, the net was not torn.¹² "Come, have breakfast," Jesus said. But none of the disciples dared to ask him, Who are you? because they knew it was the Lord.¹³ Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

This chapter serves as an epilogue to the Gospel, possibly added to address specific concerns in the early church.
The setting is the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee), returning the narrative to where Jesus first called several disciples.
Peter's decision "I am going fishing" may indicate a return to his old life or simply seeking sustenance, but it sets the stage for Jesus' intervention.
The disciples' failure to catch fish mirrors the incident in Luke 5, highlighting their dependence on Jesus for success.
Their initial failure to recognize the resurrected Jesus echoes other post-resurrection appearances (Luke 24:16, John 20:14).
The miraculous catch of 153 fish, guided by Jesus' command, symbolizes the abundance and success of the apostolic mission under Christ's direction. The specific number might symbolize the universality of the gospel (ancient zoologists cataloged 153 species of fish) or other theological concepts.
The "disciple whom Jesus loved" (likely John) recognizes Jesus first through insight, while Peter reacts impulsively with action.
The charcoal fire (John 21:9) significantly echoes the fire where Peter denied Jesus (John 18:18), setting the scene for Peter's restoration.
Jesus serves breakfast to his disciples, demonstrating servant leadership and providing for their needs, reminiscent of the feeding miracles.
John explicitly notes this as the third post-resurrection appearance to the group (John 21:14), reinforcing the reality of the resurrection.

Jesus Commissions Peter

¹⁵ Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?" He replied, Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Jesus told him, Feed my lambs.¹⁶ Jesus said a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He replied, Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Jesus told him, Shepherd my sheep.¹⁷ Jesus said a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, Do you love me? and said, Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you. Jesus replied, Feed my sheep.¹⁸ I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go."¹⁹ (Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.) After he said this, Jesus told Peter, "Follow me."

This dialogue takes place by the charcoal fire, symbolically linking Peter's restoration to his earlier denial.
Jesus addresses Peter as "Simon, son of John," perhaps emphasizing his human identity before his apostolic role.
The threefold question "{{Do you love me?}}" directly corresponds to Peter's threefold denial, offering him a chance for threefold affirmation.
Much discussion surrounds the Greek words for love used: *agapao* (Jesus' first two questions) and *phileo* (Jesus' third question, Peter's replies). Some see significance in the shift, others view them as synonyms here. Regardless, the core issue is Peter's love and commitment.
Peter's distress (John 21:17) stems from the painful reminder of his failure and the probing nature of the third question.
Each affirmation of love is met with a commission: "{{Feed my lambs}}", "{{Shepherd my sheep}}", "{{Feed my sheep}}". This reinstates Peter and entrusts him with pastoral care for Jesus' followers.
Jesus predicts Peter's future martyrdom (John 21:18-19). "Stretching out your hands" was often associated with crucifixion in early Christian understanding.
Peter's death, like his life of service, will "glorify God."
The final command, "{{Follow me}}", echoes Jesus' initial call to discipleship (Mark 1:17) but now carries the weight of restoration and the cost of future suffering.
Love for Christ is presented as the essential motivation and qualification for Christian ministry and leadership.

The Beloved Disciple's Future

²⁰ Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. (This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus' chest at the meal and asked, "Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?")²¹ So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"²² Jesus replied, "If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? You follow me!"²³ So the saying circulated among the brothers and sisters that this disciple was not going to die. But Jesus did not say to him that he was not going to die, but rather, "If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours?"

Peter, having just received his commission and prediction, immediately gets distracted by comparing his fate to that of the Beloved Disciple.
John identifies himself here by referencing his intimacy with Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23-25).
Jesus' response, "{{If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours?}}", is a gentle rebuke, redirecting Peter's focus.
The core message is that each disciple has a unique path and calling directly from Jesus; comparison is unhelpful.
Jesus re-emphasizes Peter's personal responsibility: "{{You follow me!}}"
This passage clarifies a misunderstanding circulating in the early church regarding the Beloved Disciple's lifespan, possibly prompted by his old age at the time of writing.
Jesus did not promise the disciple wouldn't die, but hypothetically stated his sovereignty over the disciple's life and the timing of his return ("until I come back").
The passage underscores Jesus' authority over the lives and destinies of his followers and the timing of eschatological events.

Epilogue: Authorial Testimony

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.²⁵ There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Verse 24 explicitly identifies the "disciple whom Jesus loved" as the source and writer of the Gospel.
The shift to "we know" suggests a community or group affirming the reliability and truthfulness of the Beloved Disciple's eyewitness testimony. This adds weight to the Gospel's claims.
This verse reinforces the importance of eyewitness accounts in the foundation of Christian belief.
Verse 25 employs hyperbole (exaggeration for effect) to emphasize the immensity and inexhaustible nature of Jesus' life and works.
It implies that while the Gospel selects specific signs and teachings (John 20:30-31), they represent a much larger reality of Jesus' ministry.
This final statement leaves the reader with a sense of awe regarding the person of Jesus Christ, whose full significance transcends even the inspired text.
It serves as a concluding flourish, highlighting the limitations of human writing to capture the fullness of the divine Son of God.

The Bullet Point Bible

John 21