“Jesus shewed Himself again … on this wise shewed He Himself” John 21.1

by Jack Palmer, N. Ireland

INTRODUCTION

Fishing and the Miracle, vv.1-8
Presentation
Intervention
Reaction
Observation
Calculation

Feeding and the Ministry, vv. 9-17
Invitation
Repetition
Conversation

Following and the Mandate, vv.18-25
Intimation
Instruction
Investigation

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

The concluding chapter of the Gospel by John has often been described as a postscript or an appendix. While this may be true to a certain extent, such a description could inadvertently lead to this chapter not being accorded the status given to the previous chapters, and its contents being regarded as of lesser importance. A cursory examination of chapter 21 confirms that it provides an essential, encouraging conclusion not only to this Gospel but to all four Gospels. For example, the concluding commissions in this chapter regarding feeding and following bring a fitting complement to the earlier commissions in relation to the preaching of the gospel, Mk.16.15,16; to teaching and discipleship, Matt.28.19,20; and to waiting in expectation, Lk.24.49.

Those who promote the idea that this chapter should be treated as nothing more than an addendum point to the end of chapter 20, where it is stated that “many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name” Jn.20.30,31. They contend that this is a clear and concise statement confirming why John’s Gospel was written, and as such is a fitting and concluding capstone. However, the connecting link between chapters 20 and 21 is so vivid and vital that it would be entirely inappropriate, and most unbecoming, to minimise the contribution this concluding chapter makes to the whole Gospel.

It should also be noted that there are several clear and significant linkages between the opening and closing chapters of John’s Gospel. Firstly, observe that it is said of the Lord Jesus that “He was in the world” 1.10, whereas in chapter 21 it is recorded so beautifully that He “stood on the shore” v.4. How wonderful that the One Who was in the beginning should be found in this our world: a geographical connection. Secondly, the opening verse of this Gospel presents Him as the Word, 1.1, while its closing verse declares, “there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” 21.25: an educational connection. Thirdly, in chapter 1 “two disciples heard him [John the Baptist] speak, and they followed Jesus” v.37, while at the end of chapter 21 the Lord Jesus instructed Peter and exhorted him: “If I will that he [John] tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me” v.22: a devotional connection. Fourthly, in chapter 1 the Lord Jesus extended a gracious invitation to two of His disciples to “come and see” v.39, while in chapter 21 He called His disciples to “come and dine” v.12: an invitational connection. Fifthly, in chapter 1 the Lord Jesus is presented as the great Creator; it is concisely stated that “all things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made” v.3, but in chapter 21 this same One is gloriously portrayed as the controller of creation, in that He directed the fish into nets which had previously been empty, v.6: a creational connection.

These various parallels between the opening and close of the Gospel are such that they irrefutably demonstrate that chapter 21 is much more than a mere concluding tag onto the main body of the Gospel, and show that it would be seriously incomplete without the multifaceted presentations of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God after His resurrection, but just prior to His ascension and exaltation. Furthermore, the conclusion of several themes introduced throughout the Gospel is an additional but vital affirmation that chapter 21 is an essential part of the presentation of the Gospel as a whole. For example, in chapter 2 observe that the Lord Jesus demonstrated that He had the power to bring out of empty vessels that which was for His glory, whereas in chapter 21 He miraculously filled nets which previously had been empty. Again, at the end of chapter 4 we have a beautiful example of the nobleman whose son was sick instantly acting upon the words of the Lord Jesus, and in chapter 21 the disciples obeyed the instruction to “cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find” v.6. Moreover, it is not difficult to link the feeding of the five thousand in chapter 6 with the table furnished in chapter 21; it is no coincidence that bread and fish were involved on both occasions. Limitations on space allow only one further example: chapter 10 is primarily about shepherding and following, and these themes are further developed in chapter 21 in a most helpful and transparent manner. In summary, John’s Gospel would most certainly not be complete without the presentation of the Person, ministry and work of the Son of God unique to this chapter of Holy Scripture.

Having considered in a panoramic way the contribution chapter 21 makes to the entire Gospel of John, we come now to reflect upon the chapter itself, bearing in mind the theme of this book. We ought to point out that our meditation will not take the form of a detailed exposition; rather it will focus on the Lord Jesus and how He “shewed Himself” v.1. In this chapter He further revealed Himself in the matters of:

FISHING AND THE MIRACLE – vv.1-8

Presentation

At the end of the opening section of chapter 21 we read, “This is now the third time that Jesus shewed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead” v.14. The previous two showings are recorded in chapter 20. The first of these concentrated on the gathering of the disciples, 20.19-23; the second on the grace extended to Thomas, who had not been present during His first appearing, 20.26-29; whereas the third offers an encouraging insight into the post-Calvary governmental ministry of the risen Christ.

It is necessary to note how, when and where the Lord Jesus revealed Himself during the forty days after His resurrection. Previously, He was readily visible to people in general, but in the post-resurrection period things were altogether different: He only made Himself known to those of His choosing, of His own will, at specific times, and for particular purposes. The idea behind His showing is much more than a physical appearance; it involves a definite manifestation of His Person, and in this case, of His omniscience and later of His omnipotence. His post-resurrection appearances were selective, and a closer examination will reveal that they took place at times of identified need. How reassuring it is that our risen Lord is not only aware of our circumstances, but draws near, and is able to communicate and console in a manner that is unique to Himself. This is beautifully illustrated in John chapter 20, where Mary Magdalene “saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus” v.14, and He made Himself known to her in a moment when comfort and reassurance were greatly needed. It would be of additional interest and benefit to reflect on other appearances of a similar nature recorded in Mk.16.12,14; Lk.24.34; Acts 13.31; 1Cor.15.5-8. Regarding this manifestation of Himself in John chapter 21, it will be helpful to observe the following:

Location

It is no coincidence that the sea of Tiberias provided the backdrop. Of the four Gospel writers John is the one who refers to the sea of Galilee as the sea of Tiberias. Much of the Lord’s earthly ministry was around the sea of Galilee, particularly the north-westerly corner, but by the time John wrote his Gospel he was quite an old man and in the intervening years the sea of Galilee had increasingly come to be referred to as the sea of Tiberias, after Tiberius, who was the Roman emperor during the time of the Lord’s public ministry. It could be that John, now in reflective mode, is looking back to the occasion when a far greater than Tiberius filled empty nets and demonstrated a power that was infinitely greater than the fleeting might of an earthly ruler.

Occupation

The crucifixion and resurrection undoubtedly had a huge impact on the disciples. Many unanswered questions would have filled their minds, and it seems entirely reasonable that this small group who, for whatever reason, had come together, should respond to Peter’s declaration, “I go a fishing” v.3. Peter has often been deemed to have acted without guidance, in a fleshly manner, and maligned for returning to his former occupation so quickly, and for taking others with him. Perhaps this is a little harsh given the circumstances and bearing in mind that practical obligations such as providing for family needs could not be overlooked. After all, what was wrong with fishing? For whatever reason, Peter took the initiative, and the others followed. This highlights the fundamental importance of sound leadership. It would be remiss of us not to mention the unity that marked this group of returning fishermen despite their individual traits and diversity of personality. This is only one example of how God, in the wonders of His purpose and grace, can bring together those of differing backgrounds, and mould them into a unity that otherwise would not have been imaginable. A more detailed examination of the individuals in this little group would be beneficial, as a clear illustration of what is possible through the workings of matchless grace, but the present purpose is to focus on the manifestation of the Lord Jesus rather than on His followers.

Humiliation

Regardless of all their eagerness, experience and endeavour, the fishing expedition ended in total failure. The record is short and straight to the point: “that night they caught nothing” v.3. The disciples must learn a vital lesson! They might have the best boat, the best nets and know how to fish where fish have previously been caught but it is necessary for them to be brought to appreciate that only the Lord can put fish into the net. It is most humbling to recognise that human skill and labour are of absolutely no avail in Divine things. These weary men learned through bitter experience that “without Me ye can do nothing” Jn.15.5. May we too fully grasp that “neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” 1Cor.3.7. Lessons such as these are not easily grasped but are indispensable in bringing us to an understanding of our total helplessness and dependence on our God. In principle it ever remains: “he that glorieth, let him glory [only] in the Lord” 2Cor.10.17.

Delusion

As the morning of a new day began to dawn the weary disciples headed for the shore without anything to show for all their toil and endeavour. They were totally ignorant of the identity of the One Who stood on the shore; how sad it was that “the disciples knew not that it was Jesus” v.4. It seemed they were so occupied with their own pursuits and problems that there was no room in their thoughts for Him, the One they had followed and served up to the time of His crucifixion. This was not something peculiar to this little group. Remember the couple on the way to Emmaus whose “eyes were holden that they should not know Him” Lk.24.16. These things show how it is possible to become so occupied with our own circumstances and concerns that we lose all sight of the Lord Himself. May we always have the wisdom and the spiritual sensitivity never to move blindly in independence of Him, knowing that He has promised: “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the completion of the age” Matt.28.20, Newberry margin.

Position

It is worth noting that He, so far unrecognised, should stand on the shore. This is clearly a further confirmation that He is alive, but it is much more. It is a very timely confirmation that He is not in the boat with the disciples but now He is controlling things from a distance, and this is a precious foreshadowing of how He controls things from His present elevated position at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Looking to the future it is also a preview of the Millennial reign of Christ, when “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth” Ps.72.8.

Geographically the shore is a very suggestive place. It is an ongoing problem to environmentalists that the shoreline is ever changing through the erosive effects of the elements. Additionally, whether it be a lake or the sea, the water is constantly moving. How delightful to observe that the One Who stood on the shore is unchanging. Let us ever recall: “Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands: they shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail” Heb.1.10-12.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou Who changest not, abide with me.

        (Henry Francis Lyte)

Intervention

Unrecognised, the Person Who stood on the shore began to emerge from the shadows and as He took centre stage, spoke and “saith unto them, ‘Children, have ye any meat?’” v.5. His form of address is worthy of consideration. He did not use a term of endearment but rather a more general form of greeting; others have suggested that words such as ‘boys’ or ‘lads’ give the sense of the Lord’s greeting here. Maybe this was to delay the disclosure of His identity. In any event, “they answered Him, ‘No’” v.5. He would have already known that this was the case, but it is precious to observe how skilfully the Lord Jesus dealt with this group of weary fishermen. At this point He spoke a word of command: “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find” v.6. These directions were both detailed and definite. The Lord not only knew exactly where the fish would be found but had the ability to bring them into the net. As Arno C. Gaebelein commented, “This instruction must have given to the disciples the first hint that the speaker might be the Lord. Would they have followed the command of a total stranger? Were not John and Peter reminded of the time when many months before, on the same lake, they had toiled all night and caught nothing, but at His Word they let down the nets once more and a miraculous draught of fishes resulted! The net was cast at once, following the direction given, and when the multitude of fishes were caught, the identity of the stranger at the shore was no longer guess work with them.”¹

¹ Gaebelein, Arno C. “The Gospel of John”. Loizeaux Brothers, 1965.

John was marked by diligence and discernment above others and disclosed to Peter, “It is the Lord” v.7. Only the Lord could perform such a miracle. What a display of power! What a change in circumstances! It is incumbent upon us to draw much encouragement from these events. May we be quick to realise our utter helplessness when it comes to the vital matter of souls being saved, and to recognise wholeheartedly that what we cannot do the Lord can do. Every fish in the net was a great fish and every one was a miracle. Truly every soul saved is a great and gracious demonstration of a work outside of us, and this should be a very real source of joyful expectation to all who carry burdens in respect of loved ones. It should also serve as a constant stay and support to every gospel herald as he lets down the net in total dependence upon our God.

Reaction

If John is characterised by devotion and discernment in his detection, Peter is impetuous and impulsive. Yet underlying these features was a wholesome affection which urged him to get to the shore, and hence to the Lord, as quickly as possible. He might have been outrun by John in the race to the sepulchre, Jn.20.4, but he was not going to come second on this occasion. Unable to wait for the boat to reach the shore, Peter immediately sprang into action and “girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea” v.7. The other disciples followed more sedately and negotiated the relatively short distance “dragging the net with fishes” v.8.

Observation

If the disciples had just witnessed a mighty miracle, they were now confronted with another of perhaps a greater proportion. While what had just happened was truly remarkable, they could in measure understand it, if not necessarily explain it. After all, they were fishermen, who were accustomed to boats, the lake, nets and how fish were caught, but nothing could have prepared them for what they were about to witness. “As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread” v.9. A short time earlier they had freely acknowledged that they had nothing to eat. Without explanation or delay a breakfast had been fully prepared. We should observe that this meal had been made ready before “Jesus saith unto them, ‘Bring of the fish which ye have now caught’” v.10. It is also worth pointing out that the Lord gave them the credit for catching the fish when in fact He had been instrumental in bringing the fish into the net. How gracious of Him in this context, but it will be so in a day of future review that the same Lord will reward those who have laboured for Him in the period of His rejection.

It is inevitable that the disciples would ask, ‘Where did this fire of coals, and the broiling fish and the bread come from?’ There can only be one answer to this mystery! While Scripture is silent on the matter and there is no indication of a miracle having been performed, the only credible conclusion is that it was the Lord Jesus, Who by His omnipotent power had prepared the meal, whether it be the fire, the fish or the bread. If He could feed thousands previously by multiplying loaves and fishes in a nearby locality, He could respond to the needs of a handful of weary, hungry and needy disciples. On both occasions He responded out of compassion and tender care to present needs. Let us remember that this same One is now upon the throne, and we can come to Him, knowing that His compassionate attitude and unlimited ability to address our every need remains just as it was displayed on that memorable morning on the shore of the lake.

Calculation

It is of interest that it was Peter who “drew the net to land” v.11. In doing so his memory would have been stirred to reflect on an earlier occasion when the same Lord empowered another draught of fishes. On that occasion the background was very similar, in that the nets were cast at the Saviour’s bidding after a fruitless night of toil, and the draught was such that the nets were broken, Lk.5.6. The miraculous draught in the Gospel of Luke is clearly a picture of the gospel net during this present dispensation; allowing for profession and unreality, it would be inappropriate to count the fish until they reach the shore of their eternal destination. Much has been spoken and written about the fact that the total number landed was “a hundred and fifty and three” Jn.21.11. The reality is that so much of this is mere speculation, whether it be the outworking of several mathematical permutations, the count of nations at a given point in time or any other fanciful suggestion. What we can be sure about is that we have a very clear example of Divine accuracy. At a human level we would be inclined to speak of things in round figures such as ‘over one hundred and fifty’, but not so with our God. Let us rejoice that each one is indispensable in the Divine reckoning and that every believer is of equal preciousness. A proper appreciation of this would bind believers together and deliver from division and segregation among those who have been brought into the net through the wonders of His gracious dealings. This unity is constantly under attack and may we have the grace to “honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” 1Pet.2.17. The Lord Jesus prayed “that they all may be one” Jn.17.21.

FEEDING AND THE MINISTRY – vv.9-17

Invitation

Words of interrogation and instruction followed but at that moment the extension of a gracious invitation was much more appropriate. At this juncture “Jesus saith unto them, ‘Come and dine.’” 21.12. We would be remiss if we did not observe that the Gospel of John is bookended by invitations; in chapter 1 it is “Come and see” v.39, whereas the concluding call is to partake of the bounty of His provision. The former reveals the wonder of occupation with Himself whereas the latter emphasises the intimacy of communion with Himself. For those who are His it is a cause of increasing gratitude that we ever heard and responded to His call: “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” Jn.7.37.

Moment

This concluding invitation in chapter 21 from the lips of the Lord Jesus was most considerate and timely. It revealed His awareness of their testing circumstances, His affection for them in time of need, and His ability to supply exactly what they required at that given moment. Furthermore, what He provided just then was neither second rate nor inferior; it was most wholesome. It not only consisted of bread and fish but was warm and fresh from the flame of the fire; it also came at a time when these disciples were weary, disillusioned, discouraged and most likely disappointed. There can be little doubt that what had been provided for them was most welcome. It is reassuring that His eye is always upon us, especially in moments of difficulty, and may we ever be mindful of the exhortation: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” Heb.4.16.

Measure

How the Lord Jesus met the existing need on the never-to-be-forgotten occasion is worthy of further consideration and present application. Clearly there was a huge need that no earthly hand or source could supply; He alone could step into the breach. They were in total need of the touch and tender sufficiency He alone could supply. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations, when we are cast entirely upon Him. It may be that Peter had these circumstances in mind when he later wrote, in shepherd capacity, to his fellow believers who were in difficult circumstances and encouraged them to cast “all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” 1Pet.5.7. Let us ever remember that, as He cared for others prior to His crucifixion, so He does on resurrection ground, but such care is very much focussed on His own, and is indicative of His post- Calvary ministry on behalf of those who are His.

Must

The Lord Jesus, and He alone, had made a full provision, but to benefit from it the disciples must respond to His invitation and partake of it for themselves. At times circumstances arise when we are reluctant to turn to Him. There is a natural tendency to deal with problems in our own strength, and we too are hesitant in giving the Lord His rightful place and recognition. Observe that “none of the disciples durst ask Him, ‘Who art thou?’ knowing that it was the Lord” v.12. Without delving too deeply into their thoughts at that specific juncture, it is evident that they enjoyed a precious appreciation and affirmation “that it was the Lord”. Whatever their mindset at that moment, the reality was that when they needed Him and His ministry He was at hand, and they received fresh and timely disclosures of Himself. Times of testing often come our way so that we too might have a deeper awareness and appreciation of His Person and His sustaining succour and care.

Memory

It is most unlikely that these men would ever forget the morning on the shore when the One Who for a time was hidden from their view revealed Himself in a multi-dimensional way. He demonstrated that he was Lord over creation and the material world, but above all He revealed His unwavering care and compassion. As such He proved Himself to be One Who served with immeasurable suitability and intimate understanding of their situation. Let us never forget that “we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” Heb.4.15.

Repetition

“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead” v.14. Evidently this does not imply that the Lord only made three appearances in total, but rather it is stating that this is the third recorded appearance in the Gospel by John. As noted previously in this chapter, these three were not selected randomly, but rather for a particular purpose. Each represents a preview of the ministry of the risen Christ on behalf of His own as He now appears “in the presence of God for us” Heb.9.24. The fact that seven of His disciples were direct recipients of His care and compassion would suggest a fitting picture of all believers of this dispensation. How precious to observe that not a single believer will ever be excluded from His care and unfailing attention!

Conversation

Having attended to the temporal needs of this group so liberally, and with much grace and consideration, the Lord turned His undivided attention to Peter. John uses the name “Simon Peter” v.15. This was the name associated with his declaration, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matt.16.16. It is also the name associated with his denials, and we read regarding the final one, “Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, ‘Art not thou also one of His disciples?’ He denied it, and said, ‘I am not.’” Jn.18.25. It is thus a title which would have held very significant and poignant memories in the mind of Peter.

Progressive Restoration

Peter’s threefold denials have been well documented. As has often been pointed out, each of the Saviour’s questions corresponds to each denial and in this way His aim was to bring about a total restoration. While this may be so, it is also worth considering that the complete dialogue in chapter 21 represents the third and final stage in Peter’s restoration. It is suggested that the first stage came immediately after “the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.’

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly” Lk.22.60-62. These were tears of repentance and represented a vital private step on his path to restoration. Details of the second stage are sparse but of great significance. It was reported to the couple who had returned from their memorable journey to Emmaus, Lk.24.13, that “the Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon” Lk.24.34. This appearance occasioned an opportunity for reconciliation at a personal level. The third stage was altogether different: in contrast to the previous two, it was public, in view of the other disciples.

Pointed Interrogation

If Peter’s denials were in public so too must be the declarations of his love, and for this reason the Lord asks repeatedly, “Lovest thou Me?” Jn.21.15-17. On the first time of asking, the question was “Lovest thou Me more than these?” W.E. Vine comments: “Grammatically the ‘these’ might refer either to persons, fellow disciples, or to things. But (1) Peter had boasted that he was a more ardent disciple than the others: they might deny their Master, but he would not; (2) to speak of loving the matters connected with fishing does not give a sufficient application to the meaning; (3) would the Lord be likely to ask the question with this in mind, considering that the moment Peter saw it was the Lord he left the boat and the nets and swam ashore to be with his Master?”² It is difficult to see how the “these” could be other than Peter’s fellow disciples; after all he had claimed to be stronger than and superior to them, and avowed, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I” and “If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise” Mk.14.29,31.

² Vine, W.E. “The Collected Writings of W.E. Vine”. Gospel Tract Publications, 1985.

The probing dialogue is exclusive to the Gospel by John. It reveals that the Lord sought a public affirmation from Peter of his true love for Himself. It is not that the Lord did not know the genuine nature of his love. The important point was that Peter must make a public declaration and this would not only demonstrate a full Christ-ward restoration but likewise before men. This was so essential in equipping Peter for the full rigour of service mapped out for him in Divine purposes. Hence the exact nature of the restoration must not be glanced over lightly, and it is important to discern the significance of the use of two words for love: agapao and phileo. Arno C. Gaebelein helpfully points out that “the two words are the verbs ‘Agapao’; this expresses fully our English ‘love’; then there is the word ‘Phileo’, which corresponds to our English ‘like’, or as it has been translated ‘to have a friendly feeling.’ When the Lord put His question to Peter, the first word is used, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (Agapas) thou Me more than these?’ Now if Peter had not judged himself, if he had still adhered to the same self-confidence he exhibited before, he would have answered enthusiastically by using the same word the Lord had used. Instead he answered, ‘Thou knowest that I love (Philo) Thee.’ He did not dare to use the word which expresses the highest affection. It is the evidence that he had learned the lesson and judged himself. The second time the Lord asked Peter He uses the same word, and Peter answers him in the same way, employing also the same word, expressing a friendly affection. But when the Lord asked Peter the third time He uses the same word Peter had used, ‘Peter, lovest (Phileis) thou Me?’ And Peter was grieved because He had asked him the third time, and answers appealing to His divine omniscience, ‘Lord, Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest that I love (Philo) Thee.’”³

³ Gaebelein, Arno C., ibid.

Personal Commission

In response to the three questions and answers, the Lord gave Peter three clear, concise commissions: “Feed My lambs” v.15, “Feed My sheep” v.16, and “Feed My sheep” v.17. The boastful, faltering Peter has now been fully restored personally, privately and publicly through the skilful care and compassionate handling of the Lord Himself, and Peter is in a position from which he can be entrusted with the full range of pastoral responsibilities. How this was achieved was quite remarkable given that there was never a word of accusation, blame or reproach from the lips of the Lord. While there can be no excuse or justification for falling out of the way, it is most encouraging to note that full recovery is possible. Out of painful experience David wrote, “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” Ps.23.3.

Particular Classification

True shepherd work must find its anchor in genuine love for the Lord. The One Who detected the quality and reality of Peter’s love for Him readily differentiated between the specific needs of His lambs and His sheep. The care of those who belonged to Him could not be entrusted to anyone whose love for Him was in the slightest degree suspect. His diligence in assessing the standard of carer required was equally matched by His discernment of the needs of the flock. The spiritual needs of the lambs, those lacking in spiritual maturity, were accorded priority and called for tender care. In this context it is helpful to remember that “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” Isa.40.11. A charge to feed His lambs carries a weighty responsibility and calls for Christ-like understanding and affection.

The second commission can be translated literally ‘Shepherd [or tend] My sheep’. These are the more mature believers and they could well come into the same category as those referred to as “fathers” and “young men” 1Jn.2.13. While there is a clear distinction between the lambs and the sheep regarding spiritual growth, these coexist the one with the other and constitute the whole flock of God. Peter may have been marked by failure previously, but from this point onwards he is trusted and established as a faithful shepherd of the flock. Later he wrote, as an elder to his fellow elders, and exhorted them, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” 1Pet.5.2,3. The demands in the realm of shepherding are unalterable and those who lead and guide are exhorted, or perhaps more accurately, directed, to “take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood [‘the blood of His own’]” Acts 20.28. Such service will not go unnoticed in Divine reckoning. Peter was very mindful of this and reminded his fellow elders that “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” 1Pet.5.4.

FOLLOWING AND THE MANDATE – vv.18-25

Intimation

With Peter fully and unreservedly restored and having been instructed in a detailed way about his future role in a shepherding capacity, the Lord

now has further words of enlightenment, encouragement and exhortation for him. These are: “‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.’ This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God” vv.18,19. These words succinctly summarise Peter’s entire life. As he listened intently it is most likely that Peter would have recalled the time when, in a self-confident manner, he had boasted that he would go to prison and die with the Lord and how all of that had ended in failure and bitterness. Now, in the prime of life, he learned the timing and manner of His death, but it must have come with reassurance to him that when the moment came God would be glorified, surely in sharp contrast to the earlier times of denial and bitter disappointment. Peter was ever mindful of this and much later he wrote, “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me” 2Pet.1.14. How reassuring that all, including the details of the circumstances of our lives, rests in His control and that His purposes will be fulfilled.

Instruction

Having dealt with the past and outlined the future, the word to Peter was both clear and authoritative: “Follow Me” v.19. It is very likely that this would have provoked him to think of the occasion when he had asked, “Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake” Jn.13.37. There might also have been a reminder of the occasion when he “followed Him [the Lord Jesus] afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end” Matt.26.58. Big lessons had been taught so ably by the Lord Jesus, and Peter demonstrated by all that ensued that the remainder of his life was one of loyal discipleship and useful service. Let us never lose sight of the grace and glory of such a full and fruitful restoration.

Investigation

With such personal and precious words resonating in his ears Peter turned his attention to John and enquired, “Lord, and what shall this man do?”

CONCLUSION

As the fourth Gospel draws to a close it does so in a way very typical of its author. John speaks of himself as “the disciple which testifieth of these things” v.24. Just as he repeatedly referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, he keeps himself out of view and away from any position of prominence. It is also consistent with his purpose in writing this Gospel. As he concludes he stresses the veracity of what he has written, v.24, and affirms that “there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” v.25. In summary, and in very graphic language, John is stating that it is impossible to adequately describe or expound the exploits of the One he refers to so touchingly as “Jesus” v.25.

The Gospel that opened by directing our attention to His essential, eternal Deity closes with a well-chosen reference to His humanity. In between, our hearts bow in holy adoration as we reflect upon the fact that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” Jn.1.14. We wait with eager anticipation the arrival of that moment when they “whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world” Jn.17.24. While Matthew emphasises the majesty of the Lord Jesus, Mark His activity and Luke His sympathy, John, in a very special and unique way, presents His glory.

Glory, glory everlasting,

Be to Him Who bore the cross,

Who redeemed our souls by tasting

Death – the death deserved by us.

Spread His glory,

Who redeemed His people thus.

While we hear the wondrous story

Of the Saviour’s cross and shame

Sing we, “Everlasting glory

Be to God and to the Lamb!”

Saints and angels,

Give ye glory to His name.

        (Thomas Kelly)