John 21 - The Life Recovery Bible

21:1-14 Imagine what the disciples must have felt! These professional fishermen had spent an entire night fishing and hadn’t caught anything. Then Jesus called to them and told them to throw the net on the other side of the boat. The disciples’ first response must have been to laugh. But when they obeyed Jesus, they caught so many fish that the net began to break. As strange as it may sound, that is how the recovery process works. When we have tried everything and finally realize our helplessness, we need to follow God’s instructions for healthy living. It may seem foolish at first, but as we trust God and obey his will, we learn that God’s power can rebuild our life.

21:15-17 Peter had denied Jesus three times, so Jesus allowed Peter to declare his love for him three times. Each time Jesus affirmed his confidence in Peter by commissioning him to feed his flock. Later Peter fulfilled this commission when he was filled with the mighty power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He became a key leader in the early church. Although we may experience failures and relapses, when we open our heart to God, he can and will restore us—even to the point where our life becomes a model of recovery to others.