THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN - PART XXIV

THE RETURN TO GALILEE, THE FINAL COMMISSIONING OF PETER, AND THE CONCLUDING REMARKS

I. The account in chapter 21 comes after what seems to be a conclusion at the end of chapter 20. Some have argued that this chapter was a later addition.

A. Even if it is a later addition, however, it is designed to tie into the rest of the Gospel.

II. The scene opens with Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James and John fishing on the Sea of Galilee, with Simon Peter clearly in the leadership position.

B. The Gospel describes them as fishing through the night.

C. As dawn breaks, Jesus appears to them, but they do not recognize Him.

D. Jesus refers to them as children, and tells them to cast their nets to the other side.

E. Upon the catch of fish, John recognizes Jesus first. Peter then immediately acts.

G. John says it was the third appearance of Christ after His resurrection.

III. Jesus then commissions Peter as Shepherd of the flock and implicitly forgives him for his denials.



2. The first question is whether he loves Jesus "more than these."

IV. Peter then asks about John, recognizing his special role.

- At one level, Jesus is telling Peter not to concern himself with the future of John.