We arrive at an ending. After reading John 20:30-31, the next few verses of John’s Gospel almost seem like an “Oh, one more thing”. The final chapter of John records a third post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to the disciples. For the sake of space, we won’t reprint the entire chapter but invite you to read John 21:1-25.
Some of the disciples decided to return to their old trade and do some fishing. After a night of fruitless labor, Jesus shows up on the shore. He invites the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat, which they do, and they gather a large catch. A similar incident is recorded in other Gospels when Jesus first invites Peter, James, and John to “follow me.”
At first, the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus. But when the catch happened, they knew in an instant that it was the Lord. After a breakfast of fish and bread, Jesus arrives at the reason for His visit – the restoration of Peter. “After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” (John 21:15–17, NLT) There are several layers to this conversation.
One layer is the striking note of repentance, of turning in a different direction, as Peter expresses love instead of the “I don’t know Him” of his betrayals on the night Jesus was arrested. Another layer is the renewal of purpose as Peter is told to care for the flock of Christ. And a final layer is that failure is not the end of the story. Peter failed; Jesus restored with a renewed call of “follow me!” Jesus completes Peter’s call with a little prophecy in verse 18 about how his life would go.
After hearing this, Peter asks Jesus about John. “Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” (John 21:21–22, NLT) In these verses is a neon sign reminder of how to walk with Christ. So often, we try to be the Lord or the Holy Spirit to others instead of looking after our own steps. So what if one is called to one thing and another is called in a different direction – “you follow me!” Jesus empathically said. John goes on to clear up a misunderstanding that later developed about what Jesus meant.
John ends his gospel with, “This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:24–25, NLT)
Those books are still being written, and those accounts of life-changing encounters with Jesus are still being told. Think of just a few of the folks that Jesus encountered in John’s gospel. Some rough fishermen that would become His disciples, Nicodemus, the woman at the well, Mary Magdalene, Pilate, and so many more. All encountered Jesus. And consider the many who have encountered Jesus through the words of John’s gospel. Through those stories and testimonies, we see the light of Jesus. The very same light which began John’s Gospel – “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:1–5, NLT)
This concludes our very long journey through the Gospel of John. It is my prayer that you saw Jesus in new and clearer ways during this journey. May your “follow me” walk with Jesus reflect His light to those around you.
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