John 21:1-14
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. – John 21:12
John 21 appears to be a separate sequel, yet it is a very important part of the gospel. This is because this passage records the resurrected Jesus appearing once again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.
The “Sea of Tiberias” is also called the “Sea of Galilee” (Matt 4:18). Seven disciples, led by Simon Peter, appeared by the sea (v.2). Half of Jesus’ disciples were from Galilee, which was also Peter’s hometown. When Peter said, “I’m going fishing,” they immediately responded, “We will go with you, too” (v.3). The scripture records that they caught nothing that night. But the resurrected Lord appeared to them when they had caught nothing and instructed them to cast their net again. The result was unexpected: they caught so many fish that they could hardly haul them in. Because of this miracle, the disciples recognised that it was the resurrected Lord who had appeared to them.
Why did the disciples go fishing at this time? Did they abandon Jesus’ commission and return to their old trade? Jesus died, and then resurrected. They had already seen the resurrected Lord twice. Why would they go fishing?
Let’s look at this event from the disciples’ perspective:
1. The message from the angel in the synoptic Gospels – It is recorded that on the first day of the week, after Jesus resurrected, the angel said to the women who wanted to anoint Jesus, “Go and tell his disciples, including Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you'” (Mk 16:7). Therefore, the disciples were commanded to return to Galilee to meet the Lord there. However, while waiting, they also needed to solve the problem of sustenance. Fishing was a familiar job for them and could solve their current predicament.
2. Facing themselves again within this short week – The disciples had endured the greatest emotional and psychological trial. On Palm Sunday, their emotions were elevated to a dazzling peak. On Good Friday, they plummeted to the depths of despair, and their abandonment and denial of Jesus filled them with guilt. Now, they were unspeakably shocked by Jesus’ resurrection. Returning to Galilee, being in familiar surroundings, could help them heal and sort out their thoughts. They could reflect on the path they had walked with Jesus, since he had called them here, and reorient themselves for the road ahead. The disciples all needed to face themselves again before they had the courage to face the crowds. In Galilee, the disciples recognised the resurrected Lord waiting and providing for them through the miracle they experienced. Their body, mind, and spirit were rebuilt.
Reflection:
Do you know where your Galilee is? In life or ministry, our emotions also encounter fluctuations, even moments of disappointment and wanting to escape. You can also return to Galilee, to the source of your initial encounter with grace, and regain God’s provision so that you have the courage to walk the road ahead.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, who understands all our needs, thank you for reminding me to return to the place where I was first called. There, I can clearly see your constant help and guidance. Help me believe that the God who has provided in the past will also be with me in the future. This I pray in the name ofJesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
John 21 appears to be a separate sequel, yet it is a very important part of the gospel. This is because this passage records the resurrected Jesus appearing once again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.
The “Sea of Tiberias” is also called the “Sea of Galilee” (Matt 4:18). Seven disciples, led by Simon Peter, appeared by the sea (v.2). Half of Jesus’ disciples were from Galilee, which was also Peter’s hometown. When Peter said, “I’m going fishing,” they immediately responded, “We will go with you, too” (v.3). The scripture records that they caught nothing that night. But the resurrected Lord appeared to them when they had caught nothing and instructed them to cast their net again. The result was unexpected: they caught so many fish that they could hardly haul them in. Because of this miracle, the disciples recognised that it was the resurrected Lord who had appeared to them.
Why did the disciples go fishing at this time? Did they abandon Jesus’ commission and return to their old trade? Jesus died, and then resurrected. They had already seen the resurrected Lord twice. Why would they go fishing?
Let’s look at this event from the disciples’ perspective:
1. The message from the angel in the synoptic Gospels – It is recorded that on the first day of the week, after Jesus resurrected, the angel said to the women who wanted to anoint Jesus, “Go and tell his disciples, including Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you'” (Mk 16:7). Therefore, the disciples were commanded to return to Galilee to meet the Lord there. However, while waiting, they also needed to solve the problem of sustenance. Fishing was a familiar job for them and could solve their current predicament.
2. Facing themselves again within this short week – The disciples had endured the greatest emotional and psychological trial. On Palm Sunday, their emotions were elevated to a dazzling peak. On Good Friday, they plummeted to the depths of despair, and their abandonment and denial of Jesus filled them with guilt. Now, they were unspeakably shocked by Jesus’ resurrection. Returning to Galilee, being in familiar surroundings, could help them heal and sort out their thoughts. They could reflect on the path they had walked with Jesus, since he had called them here, and reorient themselves for the road ahead. The disciples all needed to face themselves again before they had the courage to face the crowds. In Galilee, the disciples recognised the resurrected Lord waiting and providing for them through the miracle they experienced. Their body, mind, and spirit were rebuilt.
Reflection:
Do you know where your Galilee is? In life or ministry, our emotions also encounter fluctuations, even moments of disappointment and wanting to escape. You can also return to Galilee, to the source of your initial encounter with grace, and regain God’s provision so that you have the courage to walk the road ahead.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, who understands all our needs, thank you for reminding me to return to the place where I was first called. There, I can clearly see your constant help and guidance. Help me believe that the God who has provided in the past will also be with me in the future. This I pray in the name ofJesus Christ our Lord. Amen!