Day 40
Restoration of Peter’s Calling
Read John 21
Summary
Jesus appeared the third time to seven of His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. They had gone to Galilee in obedience to Jesus’ instruction. (Matthew 28: 7,10)
It appeared that Peter was uncertain of what he should be doing next, now that Jesus had left the disciples. So, he decided to return to his old trade of fishing. The others went along with him.
They laboured all night but caught nothing. At daybreak, Jesus appeared by the shore and called them to cast their nets to the right side of the boat. They obeyed and caught 153 large fish.
When Peter realised it was Jesus who was at the shore, he got excited. Immediately, he dropped the net and swam back to meet his Lord.
Jesus prepared a hot meal of fish and bread for the disciples on the shore. This was Jesus’ act of caring for His disciples and assuring them that He would continue to provide for them in the future.
After breakfast, Jesus ministered to Peter who had felt he was a failure after denying Christ three times at His trial. As Peter affirmed his love for Christ three times, Jesus commissioned him to be His shepherd. This commissioning would settle Peter’s uncertainty over his future.
He invited Peter to once again follow Him as He foretold about his coming martyrdom.
At the end of the Gospel, John reminded the readers that Jesus did many works that were not recorded in the book. The Gospel was written so that the readers may believe in Jesus and receive eternal life in His name.
Reflect
1. How did Jesus show His love and care for the disciples in this passage? How did Jesus restore Peter to his original calling as “Fisher of Men”? (Mark 1:17)
2. Like Peter, have you felt that you have “let Jesus down” in your life? Do you feel disqualified to serve Him due to past failures? Would you allow the Lord to minister and restore you today? Spend some time with Him.
Watch
Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff
YouTube.com/@digitaltheologian
www.digitaltheologian.com
The passage highlights Jesus’ care for His disciples, from the miraculous catch to the prepared meal, emphasising His physical resurrection and ongoing relationship with them. The conversation with Peter underscores themes of restoration and unconditional love. The identity of the Beloved Disciple provides a model of faithfulness and trust, contrasting with Peter’s initial struggles. We are reminded that God’s revelation extends beyond Scripture to a living relationship with Him, through an active, experiential faith.
Reflect
3. As you complete the reading of the Gospel of John, what is your biggest spiritual takeaway? Spend some moments to reflect on what you have learnt and worship the Lord!
Closing Prayer
Make a fresh commitment to the Lord as you allow Him to refresh you today with His forgiveness and unconditional love. Make a resolution to follow Him in the coming days as His under-shepherd and witness.
Additional Resources
Agape / Love
Biblical love refers to more than just a feeling. It's about caring for someone regardless of their response, and it's modeled perfectly by Jesus.
Genesis and John with Dr. Daniel Bunn from Oral Roberts University
Dr. Daniel Bunn, Jr. talks John and Genesis with Michael Hoff.