Chapter 21

Jesus meets the rest of the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberius. We’re told that the whole “gang” was there. The scene opens with Peter going fishing. The other decided to join. The incident is shared with the other gospel writers. The disciples catch nothing. Jesus tells them to try the other side and the catch is so big that it almost swamps the boat. In the telling of this story, it was the “the disciples whom Jesus loved” who recognized Jesus on the shore. Impetuous Peter gets dressed after working naked, jumps from the boat and swims ashore.

What follows is the story of Peter’s reconciliation to Jesus. “Peter, do you love me more than these?” Peter is put in the position of having to deal with the question three times. It appears that not even Peter caught the threefold connection of reconciliation with the three times denial prior to his death; yet Peter is faced with the acceptance of Jesus and command to follow him, to feed his sheep, and tend his flock. Throughout the record of John, Peter has taken a back seat to “the disciples whom Jesus loved.” Now, Peter is given some forward attention. No other disciple is given (with the possible exception of Thomas who is given great leeway). Peter is forgiven three times and Peter is invited to “follow” him – even to death. There is a reference in vs 19 to the fact that Peter will die a disciple. Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down because he didn’t feel his death should mimic Jesus’ own crucifixion. There is an echo of the Matthean story of the full net. After the nets were full and they were back on shore, Matthew records that Peter fell on his face and said, “Depart from me for I am a sinful man.” Jesus then invites him to follow and become a “fisher of people.” We are left with final outcome that Peter is forgiven, reconciled, and sent out by Jesus.

The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

We are left with one final reference at the end. Peter takes exception after Jesus invites Peter. “Is he (the disciple) invited too?” Yes, Peter all are invited. This disciple finally exposes his position. He’s the writer.

Who is this disciple? There is really no way of knowing. Given the time frame of the writing of this Gospel it seems unlikely that he was one of those chumming around with Jesus when He was alive. Yet, the point is still delivered, whether he is or is not isn’t as important as the fact that his testimony is offered to the world. This author has entered the witness stand and given testimony to who Jesus is and what impact that has had on the world. There is the commission for all disciples. Enter the witness stand and bear testimony to who Jesus is and what Jesus has done for you. This single detain is the means by which Jesus can be lifted up so that he can draw all people to himself. In every telling of the story:

1. Someone bears with to who Jesus is

2. They are drawn to Jesus

3. Jesus closes the deal and draws them to himself.

Thursday, November 06, 2008