John 21 - ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

21:1–8 After writing what appears to be the perfect ending for his Gospel (20:30–31), John adds an epilogue which demonstrates that we never really come to the end of the gospel. We will never outgrow our need for the grace of Jesus.

Just as the apostle Paul would continue to make tents, so the apostles who preceded him continued to be fishermen. Whatever our vocation, Jesus meets us there, but he doesn’t leave what we do untouched. Fishers of fish are also called to be fishers of men (Matt. 4:19), and both require Jesus. Peter hauled 153 fish ashore only because Jesus filled the nets. Peter would see 3,000 conversions on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41) only because Jesus is filling his church. Without him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

21:9–14 Peter had felt freedom to move toward Jesus in his brokenness, and we see Jesus welcoming his beloved friend. Jesus provides for our every need, even our food. There are only two times when a charcoal fire is mentioned in the New Testament: here, and earlier in John’s Gospel, when Peter, while warming himself, denied Jesus in the presence of Israel’s high priest (18:15–27). Now, in the presence of heaven’s Great High Priest, Peter experiences the reconciling and restorative power of the gospel.

21:15–19 Jesus didn’t hurry the process of Peter’s restoration. The Savior asked three times for affirmation of the apostle’s love, reflecting Peter’s three denials during Christ’s passion. Gospel surgery is free, but not always easy. Grace produces redemptive pain, not punitive pain. But pain is still painful. Indeed, the gospel brings an end to all deadening worldly grief. But the gospel is the beginning of enlivening godly grief (2 Cor. 7:10–11). The law condemns, the gospel convicts; the law creates self-centered tears, the gospel creates God-centered tears.

“Do you love me more than these?” It would have been easier on Peter had Jesus asked him, “Do you promise not to fail me again?” But Jesus knew better than to ask that question, because, of course, Peter would fail again (e.g., Gal. 2:11–21). Jesus is more jealous for our love than zealous for our works. If he has our hearts, he’ll have everything else.

21:20–25 Peter had just been told to expect a death similar to the one his Savior experienced, but his thoughts immediately shifted to John. A fully restored Peter is not a fully transformed Peter. How easy it is for us to become distracted and envious of one another’s callings. But the Good Shepherd, who knows us by name, leads us by decree. Jesus gives us saving grace and he also gives us serving grace. There are no little people or little places in God’s story.

All things necessary for our salvation are written in the Bible. But the gospel will continue to write stories of Jesus’ glory and grace wherever it is preached.