John's closing statement

John wrote an amazing account of Jesus life. He has shown us seven amazing miracles Jesus performed from healing a man born blind to raising Lazarus from the dead. John is also a witness and testifies to the seven "I am" statements Jesus made about himself. In John 16:29-30, His disciples state “Look, now you’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. Now we know that you know everything and don’t need anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.” In John 17, we find Jesus praying for his disciples and all believers. Chapters 18-19 take us from Judas' betrayal of Jesus through the cross. Chapter 20 reveals the Empty Tomb. Jesus is risen! He has risen indeed.

After all that, Peter and 6 others go fishing. I've heard and read many opinions on this. Peter going back to where he came from. Was he turning his back on Jesus. Others say he is still waiting in Galilee as Jesus has commanded and it's ok to go fishing. John 20 ends with "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." I don't doubt Peter's belief in Jesus. He jumps out of the boat and swims about a hundred yards to get to Jesus. He pulls 153 fish in a net to shore because Jesus asks him. I think Peter's doubt was in himself.

John 21:15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

John 21:16 A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

John 21:17 “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

After the third time asking Simon if he loved him, Peter is grieved. He denied Jesus three times and now Jesus has asked him three times if he loves him. He doesn't ask Simon, if he believes. Jesus knows that he believes. He asks "do you love me more than these?". "These?" Is Jesus referring to the fish and Simons' old way of life or to the other disciples or something else all together? I think Jesus wants Simon to bring it all into the light. Jesus forgiveness, mercy and love reinstate Simon as Peter. In the end, he has commissioned Peter to feed his lambs, shepherd his sheep and to feed his sheep. He is told about what kind of death he will face. Jesus finishes his conversation with Simon, with Peter. "Follow me."

Peter does follow him. He isn't perfect. I can relate. He soars and falls and gets back up and perseveres.

What can we learn from John's testimony about Jesus and Peter?

Believe in Jesus. Love Jesus. Follow Jesus. Feed and shepherd his lambs and sheep.

Grace and peace to you all.