John 21:1 - Meaning and Application

Here we have an account of Christ appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, that is, the Sea of Galilee.

First, compare this appearance with the ones before it. In the earlier appearances, Christ showed himself to his disciples when they were gathered in a solemn meeting, likely for worship, on the Lord’s Day, and when they were all together, perhaps expecting him. Here, he showed himself to some of them in an ordinary way, on a weekday, while they were fishing and not thinking about it. Christ has many ways of making himself known to his people. Usually, he does it through his appointed worship, but sometimes his Spirit visits them while they are busy with common work, as he did with the shepherds who were keeping watch by night (Luke 2:8), and as he did elsewhere (Genesis 16:13).

Compare this with the appearance later on the mountain in Galilee, where Christ had told them to meet him (Matthew 28:16). They moved toward that place as soon as the days of unleavened bread were over, and stayed where they were until the appointed time. This appearance happened while they were still waiting, so they would not grow tired of waiting. Christ is often better than his word, but never less. He often goes ahead of the believing hopes of his people and exceeds them, but he never lets them down.

As for the details, notice who Christ appeared to. It was not to all twelve apostles, but to seven of them. Nathanael is listed here, though we have not seen him since John 1. Some think he was the same person as Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles. The two unnamed men are thought to be Philip of Bethsaida and Andrew of Capernaum. It is good for Christ’s disciples to spend much time together, not only in worship, but also in everyday conversation and work. That helps them show love to one another, grow in affection, and strengthen one another by both words and example.

Christ chose to show himself to them when they were together, not only to honor Christian fellowship, but also so they could be joint witnesses of the same event. In that way, their testimony would support one another’s. There were seven of them present to bear witness, and some have noted that Roman law required seven witnesses for a will. Thomas was among them, and he is named after Peter, as if he had grown more careful about joining the apostles than before. It is a good thing when the consequences of our carelessness make us more watchful later and keep us from missing opportunities again.

Next, notice what they were doing. They agreed to go fishing. Peter said, “I am going fishing,” and the others said, “We will go with you.” They wanted to stay together. Usually two people in the same trade do not easily agree, but these men did. Some think they were wrong to return to their boats and nets, which they had left before. If that had been wrong, Christ would not have honored it by coming to them there. It was more likely a good thing.

They did it, first, to use their time well and avoid idleness. They had not yet been sent out to preach the resurrection of Christ. Their commission was still being prepared, and the time for full public work had not yet come. It is likely that their Master had told them not to speak of his resurrection until after his ascension, and not until after the Holy Spirit was poured out. Then they were to begin at Jerusalem. In the meantime, rather than do nothing, they would go fishing, not for play, but for work. This showed humility. Though Christ had set them apart as his sent ones, they did not act proud. It also showed industry, and that they used time wisely. While they waited, they would not waste the time. Those who want to give a joyful account of their time should learn to fill up the empty parts of it and gather up every fragment.

They also went so they could support themselves and not burden anyone else. When their Master was with them, those who served him were kind to them. But now that the bridegroom had been taken away from them, they would have to fast for those days, and so their own hands, like Paul’s, needed to provide for their needs. This teaches us to work quietly and eat our own bread.

Then came their disappointment. They fished all night and caught nothing. That shows how empty this world can be. Even hard-working people often come back with nothing. Even good people may not get the success they hoped for in honest work. We may be doing what is right and still not prosper. God allowed this so that the wonderful catch of fish in the morning would be more striking and more welcome. What feels painful to us can have a kind purpose from God. Human beings have rule over the fish of the sea, but they do not always answer to us. Only God knows the paths of the sea and rules what moves through them.

Now notice how Christ made himself known to them. The text says, “He showed himself.” His body was truly real, yet after his resurrection it was a spiritual body, like ours will be. So he could be seen only when he chose to make himself visible. Or, put another way, he could come and go so quickly that he seemed to be here one moment and there the next, in the blink of an eye.

Several things stand out in this appearance. First, he showed himself at just the right time. When morning came, after a fruitless night of work, Jesus stood on the shore. Christ often makes himself known when his people are at their lowest and most unsure. When they feel they have lost everything, he lets them see they have not lost him. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning if Christ comes in the morning. He did not walk on the water this time, because after rising from the dead he was not to be with them as before. Instead, he stood on the shore, because now they were the ones who were to move toward him.

Some early teachers understood this as a picture of Christ having finished his work and crossed through the stormy sea, through a sea of blood, to a safe and peaceful shore, where he stood in victory. The disciples, however, still had their work ahead of them, and they were still at sea in labor and danger. It is a comfort to us that when our own path is rough and stormy, our Master is already at the shore, and we are moving toward him.

Second, he showed himself little by little. The disciples, though they knew him well, did not at once realize it was Jesus. They were not expecting to see him there, and they were not looking closely enough. So they thought he was just an ordinary man waiting for their boat to come in, perhaps to buy fish.

Note that Christ is often nearer to us than we think. We often find that later, and it brings us comfort. He showed himself to them through an act of kindness in John 21:5. He called out, “Children, have you any meat? Have you caught any fish?” The address is very warm and familiar. He speaks to them like a father speaking to his children, with care and tenderness.

Even though he had already entered his exalted state, he still spoke to his disciples with the same love as before. They were not children by age, but they were his children, the ones God had given him. His question was also very kind: “Have you any meat?” He asks like a tender father who wants to know whether his children have what they need, so he can help if they do not.

Note that the Lord cares about the body too (1 Corinthians 6:13). Christ notices the earthly needs of his people, and he has promised them not only grace enough, but also enough food and provision. They shall be fed (Psalm 27:3). Christ looks into the homes of the poor and asks, “Children, have you any meat?” In this way, he invites them to tell him their trouble and to bring their requests to him in faith. Then they can be careful for nothing, because Christ takes care of them.

Christ also gives us an example of compassionate concern for others. There are many poor householders, disabled for work or let down in it, who are brought low and should be asked, “Have you any meat?” The neediest people are often the quietest. The disciples gave a short answer, and some think they answered with a little irritation. They said, “No,” and they did not return the same warm title he had used. Even the best of us are often very brief in our love back to the Lord Jesus.

Christ asked them not because he did not know their need, but because he wanted them to say it themselves. Those who want help from Christ must admit that they are empty and needy. He then showed himself to them by a display of his power, and that completed the revelation in John 21:6. He told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, the opposite side from where they had been casting. Then they, who had been going home empty-handed, gathered a great haul of fish.

Here we see the command Christ gave them, and the promise attached to it, “Cast the net there, and you will find.” He who knows everything, even the creatures under the waters (Job 26:5), knew where the fish were. He directed them to that spot. This shows that God’s providence reaches even the smallest and most uncertain things. Those are happy who learn to take such hints in their daily affairs and acknowledge God in everything they do.

We also see their obedience and the good result of it. They still did not know it was Jesus, but they were willing to take advice from anyone. They did not tell the stranger to mind his own business. They followed his counsel, and in doing so they were obeying their Master without knowing it. The result was wonderful, and now they had a catch that rewarded all their effort.

Those who are humble, diligent, and patient, even when their work is hindered, shall be rewarded. They may live to see their efforts turn out well after many struggles and failed attempts. Nothing is lost by obeying Christ’s orders. Those who follow the rule of the word, the leadings of the Spirit, and the hints of providence are likely to do well. That is like casting the net on the right side of the boat.

This great catch of fish may be viewed in several ways. First, it was a miracle in itself. It showed that Jesus Christ had been raised in power, though he had been laid in weakness, and that all things were under his feet, even the fish of the sea. Christ shows himself to his people by doing what no one else can do, and by giving what they did not expect.

Second, it was a mercy to them, because it gave them timely and abundant provision. When their skill and hard work failed, the power of Christ came in at the right time to help them. He would make sure that those who had left everything for him would not lack anything good. When we are most at a loss, Jehovah-jireh, the Lord who provides, still cares for us.

Third, it was a reminder of an earlier mercy, when Christ had once repaid Peter for lending him his boat (Luke 5:4 and following). This miracle closely matched that earlier one and must have brought Peter back to mind what had happened before. That helped him make better use of it. Both events moved him deeply, because both met him in his own setting and his own work. Later blessings are meant to bring earlier blessings back to mind, so that bread already eaten will not be forgotten.

Fourth, it was a sign with deep meaning for the work Christ was now sending them to do with broader authority. The prophets had been fishing for souls and caught little or nothing, but the apostles, casting the net at Christ’s word, would have great success. Many children would be born to the one who had been desolate (Galatians 4:27). The disciples themselves, in carrying out their earlier mission as fishers of men, had seen only limited success compared with what would now come. When, soon after this, three thousand were converted in one day, then the net was cast on the right side of the boat.

This should encourage Christ’s ministers to keep working diligently. One blessed catch, in the end, may repay many years of labor in the gospel net.

We also see how the disciples responded to this revelation in John 21:7 and John 21:8. John was the most alert and quick to understand. The disciple whom Jesus loved was the first to say, “It is the Lord,” because those whom Christ loves he especially makes himself known to. His secret is with those he favors. John had stayed closer to his Master in his suffering than the others had, and so he now has a clearer eye and better judgment as a reward for his steadiness.

When John realized it was the Lord, he told the others, because the Spirit’s gifts are given for the good of all. Those who know Christ themselves should try to help others know him too. We do not need to keep him to ourselves, since there is enough in him for all of us. John told Peter in particular, because he knew Peter would be especially glad to see him. Though Peter had denied his Master, he had repented and been welcomed back into the fellowship of the disciples, so they were as open and familiar with him as before.

Peter was the most eager and warm-hearted disciple. As soon as he heard that it was the Lord, taking John’s word for it, he could not wait in the boat. He threw himself into the sea at once so he could reach Christ first.

Peter showed respect for Christ by fastening his fisherman’s coat around himself. He wanted to appear before his Master in the best clothes he had, instead of rushing in half-dressed. The coat may have been made of leather or oilcloth, something that kept out water. He tied it on so he could make the best possible way through the water, the same way he used to press on after his nets when he was intent on fishing.

He also showed the strength of his love for Christ and his strong desire to be with him by casting himself into the sea. He either waded or swam to shore to come to Jesus. When he walked on the water to Christ (Matthew 14:28-29), he came down out of the boat carefully. Here he acted at once, with no delay. Sink or swim, he wanted to show his goodwill and be with Jesus.

Peter may have thought, “If Christ lets me drown before I reach him, that is only what I deserve for denying him.” He had been forgiven much, and he showed that he loved much by being willing to take risks and endure hardship to come to Christ. Those who have been with Jesus will be willing to go through a stormy sea, even a sea of blood, to come to him. Among Christ’s disciples, it is a good kind of rivalry to try to be first with him.

The other disciples were steady and sincere, even if they were not as bold as Peter. They did not throw themselves into the sea, but they hurried to shore in the boat and made the best speed they could (John 21:8). The other disciples, with John among them, who had first recognized Christ, came more slowly, but they still came to him.

Here we can see how differently God gives his gifts. Some, like Peter and John, stand out in gifts and grace, and that makes them different from their brothers. Others are ordinary disciples. They do their duty faithfully, but they do not do anything to make themselves notable. Yet both the honored and the unnoticed will sit with Christ in glory, and the last may be first. Some who excel, like John, are especially thoughtful and reflective. They have great knowledge and serve the church with it. Others, like Peter, are especially active and courageous. They are strong, do great deeds, and are useful to their generation. Some serve as the church’s eyes, others as the church’s hands, and all serve the good of the body.

There can also be a great difference between good people in the way they honor Christ, while both are accepted by him. Some serve Christ through acts of devotion and unusual signs of religious zeal, and they do well in that. Peter should not be blamed for throwing himself into the sea. He should be praised for his zeal and the strength of his love. The same is true of those who, out of love for Christ, leave the world, like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. Others serve Christ more in the affairs of ordinary life. They stay in the boat, pull in the net, and bring the fish ashore, like the other disciples here. Such people should not be criticized as worldly. In their place, they are serving Christ as truly as the others, even in serving tables. If all the disciples had acted like Peter, what would have happened to their fish and nets? Yet if Peter had acted like them, we would have lost this example of holy zeal. Christ was pleased with both kinds of service, and so should we be.

There are also several ways in which Christ’s disciples are brought ashore from the sea of this world. Some are brought to him through a violent death, like the martyrs, who gave themselves up in their zeal for Christ. Others are brought to him through a natural death, while they are still quietly doing their duty. One way is more terrible than the other, but both end on the same safe and peaceful shore with Christ.

When the disciples came ashore, the Lord Jesus showed them a warm welcome. He had food ready for them. They came to land wet, cold, tired, and hungry, and found a good fire to warm and dry them, along with fish and bread, enough for a proper meal.

We do not need to ask too closely where the fire, fish, and bread came from, any more than we ask where Elijah’s food came from when the ravens brought it (1 Kings 17:6). The one who multiplied loaves and fishes before could make more if he wished, or turn stones into bread, or send angels to bring food from wherever he knew it could be found. We do not know whether this meal was prepared out in the open or in a fisherman’s hut on the shore. In any case, it was plain, not fancy. We should be content with simple things, because Christ was.

This shows how kindly Christ cares for his disciples. He is able to supply all our needs, and he knows what things we need. He provided for those fishermen when they came back tired from their work. Those who trust in the Lord and do good will truly be fed. This is a comfort to Christ’s ministers, whom he has made fishers of men. They can trust the one who sent them to provide for them. And if they should lack comfort in this world, and be reduced, as Paul was, to hunger, thirst, and many fastings, they should be content with what they have now. Better things are kept for them, and they will eat and drink with Christ at his table in his kingdom (Luke 22:30).

Earlier, the disciples had shared a broiled fish with Christ (Luke 24:42), and now, as a friend, he returned their kindness by feeding them. More than that, in the great catch of fish, he gave them far more than they had brought to him. He also asked for some of the fish they had caught, and they brought it to shore (John 21:10-11). Christ’s command was, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” He did not ask because he needed it, or because he could not provide a meal without it. He wanted them to eat the work of their own hands (Psalm 128:2). What God blesses through our own honest labor has a special sweetness when he also gives us the ability to enjoy it. The lazy man does not even cook what he has caught in hunting (Proverbs 12:27). Christ was teaching them to use what they had.

He also wanted them to taste his miraculous bounty, so they could be witnesses to both his power and his goodness.

The gifts Christ gives us are not meant to be hidden away. They are meant to be used and put to work. He also meant to show a sample of the spiritual meal he has for all believers, which is free and familiar. He eats with them, and they with him. Their graces please him, and his comforts please them. What he works in them, he accepts from them.

Ministers, who are fishers of people, must bring all they catch to their Master, because their success depends on him. They obeyed this command in John 21:11. In John 21:6, they could not haul the net to shore because of the many fish. It was hard, more than they could manage. But the one who told them to bring it ashore made it easy. So ministers, when they have gathered souls in the gospel net, cannot bring them safely to shore or finish the good work they began without God’s continued grace. If the one who helped us catch them, when we would have caught nothing without him, does not also help us keep them and bring them to land by building them up in their most holy faith, we will lose them in the end (1 Corinthians 3:7).

Notice who was most active in landing the fish. It was Peter, who, as before in John 21:7, had shown the strongest love for his Master’s person. In this also he showed the quickest obedience to his Master’s command. Yet not all faithful people are equally eager. Also notice the number of fish they caught. They counted them, perhaps to divide them up. There were 153 in all, and they were all large fish. This was more than they needed for that meal, but they could sell the rest, and the money would help pay their way back to Jerusalem, where they were soon to return.

There was also a further sign of Christ’s care. The miracle and the mercy were both greater because the net did not break. There were so many large fish, yet they lost none and damaged nothing. In Luke 5:6, their net broke. Perhaps this was a borrowed net, since they had long ago left their own. If so, Christ teaches us to care for borrowed things as carefully as our own. It was good that the net did not break, because they did not have the time now to mend it as they had before. The gospel net has gathered great crowds, even 3,000 in one day, and yet it has not broken. It still has power to bring souls to God.

He then invited them to dinner. He saw that they kept their distance and were afraid to ask, “Who are you?” because they knew it was their Lord. So he spoke to them in a warm, familiar way, “Come and eat.”

See how freely Christ dealt with his disciples. He treated them as friends. He did not say, “Come and wait on me,” or “Come and serve me.” He said, “Come and eat.” He did not say, “Go eat by yourselves,” as servants might be told. He said, “Come and eat with me.” That invitation helps explain the call Christ gives his disciples into fellowship with him now. Everything is ready. He says, “Come and eat.” Christ is a feast, so come and feed on him. His flesh is true food, and his blood is true drink. Christ is also a friend, so come and eat with him, and he will welcome you (Song of Songs 5:1). It also points to the call he will give to glory later: “Come, blessed of my Father,” and come sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Christ has enough to feed all his friends and followers. There is room and provision for them all.

Notice also how respectful the disciples were before Christ. They were somewhat shy about using the freedom he offered them, and it seems they paused when he invited them to eat. Being asked to dine with such a ruler, they considered carefully what was before them. None of them dared ask, “Who are you?” Either they would not be so bold with him, or they would not shame themselves by asking. Even if he appeared somewhat disguised at first, as he had to the two disciples when their eyes were kept from recognizing him, they had good reason to think it was him and no one else. Once he had shown his power and goodness in this way, they would have been very dull to question whether it was really he. When God’s providence gives us clear proof of his care for our bodies, and his grace gives us clear proof of his goodwill toward our souls and of his work in them, we should be ashamed of our distrust. We should not dare question what he has already made plain. Groundless doubts should be silenced, not entertained.

He then served them as the master of the feast in John 21:13. Seeing that they were still shy and afraid, he came and took the bread himself and gave it to them, some to each, along with the fish. No doubt he asked a blessing and gave thanks, as in Luke 24:30, but that was so much his regular practice that it did not need to be repeated.

The meal was plain and ordinary. It was only fish for dinner, simply prepared. There was nothing showy or fancy, only plenty and simplicity. Hunger is the best sauce. Christ, though he had now entered his glorified state, showed himself alive by eating, not by hosting a grand feast as a prince might. Those who could not be satisfied with bread and fish unless there were rich sauces and wine would hardly have been willing to dine with Christ here.

Christ began the meal himself. Even if his glorified body did not need food, he wanted to show that he had a true body, one that could eat. The apostles later used this as one proof of his resurrection, that they had eaten and drunk with him (Acts 10:41). He also handed the food to all his guests. He not only provided it and invited them to it, he divided it himself and put it into their hands. In the same way, we owe him not only the purchase of redemption’s blessings, but also their application to us. He gives us the power to receive them.

The evangelist leaves them at the meal and adds this note in John 21:14. This was now the third time Jesus showed himself alive to his disciples, or to most of them. Some think this means the third day. On the day he rose, he appeared five times. The second day was the next Sunday. This was the third. Or it may mean this was his third appearance to a significant group of disciples together. He had appeared to Mary, to the women, to the two disciples, and to Peter, but before this he had only twice appeared to a company of them together. This is noted here to confirm the truth of his resurrection. The vision was repeated, then repeated again, because the matter was certain. Those who did not believe the first sign would be brought to believe the voice of later signs.

As a sign of Christ’s continued kindness to his disciples, he came to them once, then again, and now a third time. It is good to remember Christ’s gracious visits, because he remembers them too. If we do not live worthily of them, they will stand against us, as they did against Solomon, when he was reminded that the Lord God of Israel had appeared to him twice.

This is now the third visit. Have we made proper use of the first and second? See (2 Corinthians 12:14). It may also be the last, for all we know.