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John Chapter Twenty-one

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Commitment and Call of the Son of God the Savior

A.  The Background of His Manifestation ---- they labored in vain (v.1-3) ---- the first sign

B.  The Guidance of His Manifestation ---- the abundant fish (v.4-6) ---- the second sign

C.  The Preparation of His Manifestation ---- the provision of food (v.7-14) ---- the third sign

D.  The Mission of His Manifestation ---- to shepherd the Lord¡¦s sheep because of love (v.15-17).

E.  The Call of His Manifestation:

1. To follow the way of the Lord ---- the way of the cross (v.18-19).

2. The character of following the Lord ---- everyone is individually guided by the Lord (v.20-23)

F.  The Truth and Fullness of the Witness ---- the Epilogue to the Book (v.24-25).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

John. 21:1 ¡§After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:¡¨

YLT: ¡§After these things did Jesus manifest himself again to the disciples on the sea of Tiberias, and he did manifest himself thus:¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§after these things¡¨, ¡§these things¡¨ ---- the disciples escaped, and Peter thrice denied the Lord, and some disciples saw the Lord¡¦s crucifixion under the cross, and personally saw and experienced the Lord¡¦s resurrection (see chapter 18-20).

  ¡§Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias¡¨, ¡§the Sea of Tiberias¡¨, actually it was a lake named ¡§the sea of Chinnereth (Num 34:11)¡¨ in the old times. Afterwards, its name was changed into ¡§the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1)¡¨ which was then called ¡§the Sea of Galilee (Matt 4:18)¡¨. Later, Herod Antipas built the new city of Tiberias (v.23) as his capital in the southwest lakefront of the lake, whose name was changed again, namely, ¡§the Sea of Tiberias¡¨.

Spiritual Meaning: at the end of the Book of John, chapter 20, it had plainly drawn a completion to the whole book. However, the Holy Spirit inspired John to add this chapter to this book so as to connect the Four Gospels with the Book of Acts.

  The Book of Gospel described the works of the Lord Jesus on the earth. The Lord declared: ¡§It is finished (see 19:30)¡¨. Yes, as far as the incarnated Jesus concerned, His works had been done, and there was nothing left for us to make up.

  The Book of Acts described that ¡§the corporate Jesus¡¨ (the church) continued His works on the earth. After the Lord was raised from the dead, He embarked on another form of incarnation (see 1Tim 3:15-16) and started another form of works ---- He gained a group of men to be His vessels to undertake the building works.

  Therefore, the Lord was busy after His resurrection with retrieving the disciples who were scattered, lost their faith and declined, and He confirmed them. This chapter might be regarded as the successive appointment of the Lord Jesus to His disciples.

  Peter and other disciples in this chapter were the representatives and portraitures of us. Their condition is our condition. We should learn the personal and seasonable lessons from these situations. Therefore, the Lord¡¦s commitment that gave to Peter was also to us. Therefore, we should not read the Scripture for others, but apply the Scripture to ourselves.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) ¡§These things¡¨ could represent the various triumphant and failing experiences of believers. In our spiritual way, there should be always ups and downs. However, no matter victory or failure, these experiences have precious spiritual value. We should never ignore them.

     2) Everything that we have experienced has its significance. God even put our tears into His bottle and in His book (see Ps 56:8).

 

John. 21:2 ¡§Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.¡¨

YLT: ¡§There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas who is called Didymus, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, and the of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.¡¨

Spiritual Meaning: there were seven disciples listed here. ¡§Seven¡¨ is a number symbolizing the perfectness in this world. Therefore, the ¡§seven disciples¡¨ stood for the whole disciples of the Lord, including those who believed Him later.

 

John. 21:3 ¡§Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Simon Peter saith to them, `I go away to fish;' they say to him, `We go -- we also -- with thee;' they went forth and entered into the boat immediately, and on that night they caught nothing.¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§I am going fishing.¡¨ ---- ¡§Fishing¡¨ was picking up one¡¦s old job (see Matt 4:18-22). After the Lord¡¦s resurrection, He asked the disciples to remain in the city till they were clothed with power from on high (see Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). Therefore, when they went back Galilee to fish, they had gone against the Lord¡¦s command.

  ¡§That night they caught nothing.¡¨ ---- In the old times, the fishermen were fond of fishing at night. It was said that night was the best time to fish. Peter was an elder fisherman. He knew when and where to fish, but he even caught nothing the whole night. Obviously, this was a sign that especially arranged by God for the purpose of teaching them.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Whatever spiritual or worldly work, we should never rely on our natural ability but always the guidance and blessings of God.

     2) Peter represented the leader, and other disciples represented the followers. If we follow men blindly but not discern carefully, we will fall into poor spiritual situation.

     3) It may be a good thing for us to have some poor experiences, for it make us rely on the Lord increasingly and sympathize more with the infirmity of others (see Heb 4:15).

     4) There is always good will in the adverse situation. Contrary, men may set aside the will of God in the favorable situation.

     5) Fishing is for the sake of feeding oneself. That the seven disciples had troubles with fishing indicated that those who were of the Lord had trouble in their life. In the past two thousand years, there were many disciples who had been tried in the matter of bread.

     6) Before we were saved, we struggled in the world through our natural strength, and we might profit something. However, after being saved, if we leave the Lord again and go to the world to seek personal gain, it will be of absolute vanity. We should wake up.

 

John. 21:4 ¡§But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.¡¨

YLT: ¡§And morning being now come, Jesus stood at the shore, yet indeed the disciples did not know that it is Jesus;¡¨

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Thanks the Lord. The dark night will not be too long. The Lord¡¦s manifestation is our spiritual ¡§morning¡¨. Whenever we are in the dark night, affliction and failure may that we are reminded to turn to seek the Lord Himself and rely on the manifestation and presence of Him.

     2) The disciples met the Lord when fishing on the sea. It indicated that we could receive the manifestation of the Lord even though we are not in the tranquil fellowship with the Lord. Like Lawrence, even though in the toilsome work he could also enjoy the intimate fellowship with the Lord.

     3) If a believer could not receive the sympathy of the Lord in common works, they could not please the Lord even in the fellowship with the Lord.

 

John. 21:5 ¡§Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Jesus, therefore, saith to them, `Lads, have ye any meat?'¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§Children, have you any food?¡¨ ---- ¡§Children¡¨ is an intimate call, which has no meaning of mocking. ¡§Have you any food?¡¨ ---- It meant whether they had the fish that was ready to eat. The whole sentence indicated the love-kindness of the Lord, who cared about our sorrow and affliction.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) The disciples had fish to eat in the house (see Luke 24:41-43), but now they had nothing to eat on the sea. It told us that: what really accounted was not the environment, but the position that we stood on.

     2) Whenever we leave the Lord and are not in His will, our efforts will be unto vanity.

     3) When we find that we have nothing to eat and nothing for the Lord to eat, we must have been walked in the way outside the Lord¡¦s way, and what we have done will be outside of the ordained will of the Lord.

 

John. 21:6 ¡§And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§they answered him, `No;' and he said to them, `Cast the net at the right side of the boat, and ye shall find;' they cast, therefore, and no longer were they able to draw it, from the multitude of the fishes.¡¨

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) There are abundant provisions in the words of the Lord. However, when we believe and obey the Lord¡¦s words, we will find the real provision from the words of the Lord.

     2) If one brings others to the Lord through his own discernment and ability, it will turn out to be of vanity no matter how toilsome he is. It has effects only when they cast the net according to the guidance of the Lord.

 

John. 21:7 ¡§Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§That disciple, therefore, whom Jesus was loving saith to Peter, `The Lord it is!' Simon Peter, therefore, having heard that it is the Lord, did gird on the outer coat, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea;¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" ---- The disciples had experienced the same matter (see Luke 5:5-6) ---- the inefficient works overnight first, and then the multitude of fish after hearing the command of the Lord. Therefore, the Apostle John realized that the one who was on the shore was the Lord Jesus.

  The two apostles John and Peter were both beloved by the Lord. ---- Each of them had their own peculiarities. One was quiet, and the other was active. The former was full of the spiritual wisdom, and the latter was bold to act.

Spiritual Meaning: ¡§Simon Peter had removed his outer garment¡¨, it symbolized that on one hand we were naked and lay bare to the Lord¡¦s eyes. On the other hand, we were of nothing, and boasted nothing.

 

John. 21:8 ¡§But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§and the other disciples came by the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but as it were about two hundred cubits off, dragging the net of the fishes;¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§two hundred cubits¡¨, ¡§cubit¡¨ was a kind of linear measure. Every cubit equaled to 18 inches. Therefore, there were about 180 meters away from the shore.

 

John. 21:9 ¡§Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§when, therefore, they came to the land, they behold a fire of coals lying, and a fish lying on it, and bread.¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§they saw a fire of coals there¡¨, note that the fire on the land was contrary to the fire in the court (see 18:19). At that night, Peter failed at the fire, but now the Lord provided him what he needed just at the fire.

  ¡§And fish laid on it¡¨, it indicated that it was unnecessary for them to go fishing on the sea, for there was fish on the land.

Spiritual Meaning: ¡§and fish laid on it, and bread.¡¨ ---- ¡§Fish¡¨ stood for the richness in the sea. ¡§Bread¡¨ represented the richness on the land.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) One should not be afraid of having no food when he does work for the Lord. As long as one walks in the will of the Lord, he will obtain food everywhere, and even on the land there lays fish. However, if he does not walk in the will of the Lord, he could not obtain fish even on the sea where is easiest to fish.

     2) The workers should not be worried about the livelihood, for the Lord must take care of us, and He is the God who calls the things which be not as being (see Rom 4:17).

     3) The biggest temptation of the Lord¡¦s workers is whether they can balance life with service. To care for our own life instead of caring for serving the Lord is the biggest failure of us.

     4) The Lord was deeply aware of the shortage of His disciples, so He provided them in good time. The Lord is our blessing cup, portion, fullness and seasonable help.

 

John. 21:10 ¡§Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Jesus saith to them, `Bring ye from the fishes that ye caught now;'¡¨

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Once Peter knew it was the Lord, he did not care his boat and fish, but plunged into the sea (see v.7) and dived to the Lord. However, the Lord asked him to ¡§bring some of the fish which he had just caught.¡¨ Although the Lord Himself was greatly precious, every gracious provision was also precious.

     2) ¡§Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.¡¨ ---- We should not be proud of the past experiences and accomplishments, but seek the Lord continually and obtain fresh provision form Him every day.

     3) ¡§Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.¡¨ ---- The believers should often have fresh testimonies. One should not always bear the repeated and old witnesses, or else the audience will feel dull.

 

John. 21:11 ¡§Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Simon Peter went up, and drew the net up on the land, full of great fishes, an hundred fifty and three, and though they were so many, the net was not rent.¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§although there were so many, the net was not broken.¡¨ ---- It meant that none of the fish was missed.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Believers, fishers of men, should not only preach the glad tidings, but also note each of them lest that anyone should be lost.

     2) ¡§Although there were so many, the net was not broken.¡¨ ---- The grace of life of the Lord can be inherited by the weak vessels of us (see 1Pet 3:7).

     3) We should often repair and confirm the spiritual ¡§net¡¨ so as not to miss any ¡§fish¡¨ or get half the result with twice the effort without obtaining the expected results.

 

John. 21:12 ¡§Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?"--knowing that it was the Lord. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Jesus saith to them, `Come ye, dine;' and none of the disciples was venturing to inquire of him, `Who art thou?' knowing that it is the Lord;¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him¡¨, ¡§ask¡¨: ¡§enquire¡¨, ¡§search¡¨.

  This verse was contradictory. ¡§None of them dared ask¡¨ meant they neither knew nor dared to ask because of fearfulness. However, it mentioned that none of them dared ask who He was, and also mentioned ¡§knowing it was the Lord¡¨. In other words, they did not know outwardly, but knew inwardly without reason.

Spiritual Meaning: ¡§Come and eat breakfast.¡¨ ---- ¡§Eat¡¨ was a symbolic act in the New Testament, which meant ¡§fellowship¡¨ and ¡§acceptance¡¨.

 

John. 21:13 ¡§Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.¡¨

YLT: ¡§Jesus, therefore, doth come and take the bread and give to them, and the fish in like manner;¡¨

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) That the Lord provided bread and fish for the disciples was not only for the sake of meeting their needs, but also for His divine mission. The Lord brought new mission in His new provision.

     2) All the religions in the world only ask, but have no provision. Only our Lord not only asks, but also provides. The Lord always provides first, and asks afterwards.   

   

John. 21:14 ¡§This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.¡¨

YLT: ¡§this now a third time Jesus was manifested to his disciples, having been raised from the dead.¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§This is now the third time¡¨, it was possibly concluded from the record of this book (see 20:19, 24). According to the New Testament, the details of Lord¡¦s manifestation to the disciples after He was raised from the dead were as follows: (1) He manifested Himself to Mary (see v.20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11); (2) He manifested Himself to the women (see Matt 28:9-10); (3) He manifested Himself to the two who went to Emmaus (see Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35); (4) He manifested Himself to Peter (see Luke 24:34; 1Cor 15:5); (5) He manifested Himself to the ten disciples except for Thomas (see 20:19-23; Luke 24:36-43); (6) He manifested Himself to the eleven disciples (see 20:24-29; Mark 16:14); (7) He manifested Himself in Galilee (see Matt 28:16-20); (8) He manifested Himself at the Sea of Tiberias (see v.1-23); (9) He manifested Himself for forty days in many places and for many times. Then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once. Then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles (see Acts 1:3; 1Cor 15:6-7); (10) He manifested Himself in the Mount of Olives before His ascension (see Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:6-12). (11) Finally, He manifested Himself to the Apostle Paul (see 1Cor 15:8).

 

John. 21:15 ¡§So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§When, therefore, they dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, `Simon, of Jonas, dost thou love me more than these?' he saith to him, `Yes, Lord; thou hast known that I dearly love thee;' he saith to him, `Feed my lambs.'¡¨

Meaning of Words: ¡§love¡¨: the divine love, the sacrificing love, the profound love (agapao ---- the word used by the Lord in His question); the friendly love, the responsive love, the affective love (phileo ---- the word used by Peter in His answer).

Literal Meaning: ¡§Simon, son of Jonah¡¨, the Lord asked only Peter before all the disciples in order to let all the disciples know that He would still make Peter in the leading position, though he had ever failed.

  ¡§Do you love Me more than these?¡¨ ---- If the word ¡§these¡¨ was a subject term, it would mean ¡§do you love Me more than other disciples¡¨? If the word ¡§these¡¨ was an object term, there would be two meanings: (1) ¡§do you love Me more than these things (the boat, the net, the fish, the bread, the fire and etc.)¡¨? (2) ¡§Do you love Me more than other disciples?¡¨

  Since Peter had boasted ¡§If all shall be offended in thee, I will never be offended (see Matt 26:33; Mark 14:29)¡¨, showing that he loved the Lord more than others. Therefore, the word ¡§these¡¨ could possibly be interpreted as a subject term. The Lord might intend to deal with the pride and self-conceit of Peter. 

  However, the word ¡§these¡¨ might also refer to men, things or substances. It seemed that the Lord was saying Peter soundlessly that: you denied Me in that night when I was judged. You brought others to fish but disregarded Me when I hid my physical presence. You were humiliated when you went to find fire by yourself. You obtained nothing when you came to fish. Now I have prepared the fire, the bread, the fish, and you need neither spare any effort nor do anything. If you want to get warm, there is fire. If you want to eat, there is bread and fish. However, I shall ask you: ¡§do you love Me more than these things?¡¨

  ¡§Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.¡¨ ---- The word ¡§love¡¨ in Peter¡¦s answer was different from that in the Lord¡¦s question. Peter might think he was unworthy of loving the Lord in the divine love, so he only answered he loved the Lord in the affective love.

  ¡§Feed My lambs.¡¨ ---- ¡§Feeding¡¨ is the responsibility of a shepherd. He should seek the good pastures for the flocks to supply sufficient provision to them. ¡§Lambs¡¨: young sheep.

Spiritual Meaning: ¡§Simon, son of Jonah¡¨, ¡§Simon¡¨ was the old name before Peter was saved (see 1:42). It typified that the Lord was dealing with His old man and His nature.

  ¡§Feed My lambs.¡¨ ---- It meant supplying young Christians with spiritual food (see 1Peter 2:2), what was most important, bringing them to learn to be fed by the Lord directly.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) ¡§Do you love Me more than these?¡¨ ---- We should not have high thoughts above what he should think. But think so as to be wise, as God has dealt to each a measure of faith (see Rom 12:3).

     2) ¡§Do you love Me more than these?¡¨ ---- Many things in our life may take up our heart, such as the wealth, the status, the scholarship, the health, the love, the family, the friendship, the success and etc. However, to Christians who love the Lord, nothing can be compared with our Lord.

     3) If the workers of the Lord love other things more than the Lord, they shall not be used by the Lord.

     4) Many times, the Lord blesses the church and adds to the church such as should be saved, and we shall be excited for this situation. At this time, the Lord will ask us: ¡§do you love Me more than these?¡¨ If we really love the Lord, we shall feed the lambs diligently.

     5) Sometimes, man likes the work of fishing, for he can get many fish for a short while, and such exciting occasion is spectacular. However, the feeding works of the shepherd are soundless and spare more time and costs, which are much toilsome. However, the Lord said: ¡§you feed my lambs¡¨. The Lord not only wants us to be the fishers of men, but also the shepherds of believers.

     6) If the fisherman caught more than one hundred fishes, he might not care for losing or increasing several ones, but would care the number of fish that remained. However, the shepherd always cared for those who were lost. He did not care for those who remained. Even though there were 99 ones remaining, he still felt insufficient and would come to find back the lost one (see Matt 18:10-14).

     7) Peter really entered the burden of a shepherd. Therefore, he encouraged the fellow-elders to shepherd the flock of God and to be models for the flock (see 1Peter 5:1-4).

     8) To love the sheep is to love the Lord. How to manifest our love to the Lord? There is none other way but loving the Lord through loving His sheep and serving the Lord through serving His sheep. He who sacrifices for the sheep is sacrificing for the Lord.

    

John. 21:16 ¡§He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§He saith to him again, a second time, `Simon, of Jonas, dost thou love me?' he saith to him, `Yes, Lord; thou hast known that I dearly love thee;' he saith to him, `Tend my sheep.'¡¨

Meaning of Words: ¡§love¡¨: the divine love, the sacrificing love, the profound love (agapao ---- the word used by the Lord in His question); the friendly love, the responsive love, the affective love (phileo ---- the word used by Peter in His answer).

Literal Meaning: ¡§Tend My sheep.¡¨ ---- ¡§Tend¡¨ is not only supplying food, but also looking after, observing, guarding and protecting and etc. ¡§Sheep¡¨ is no longer lambs.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Christians need both to be fed and to be shepherded, which requires looking after carefully.

     2) We should never think only pastors and elders are shepherds, and others are the flock who needs to be shepherded. In the church, we should not divide the believers into two sorts ---- one is shepherd, and the other is he who is shepherded by others. We should shepherd each other. 

     3) We should have the heart of shepherd to look after the brothers and sisters. It is not only the little lambs that need to be fed, but also the aged sheep. Everyone needs to be strengthened by prayers, and be provided by the Lord¡¦s words.

     4) We should not ignore the responsibility of shepherding those who have believed the Lord for many years. It requires more wisdom and is more difficult to shepherd those who have believed the Lord for many years than those who have just believed.

 

John. 21:17 ¡§He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. ¡¨

YLT: ¡§He saith to him the third time, `Simon, of Jonas, dost thou dearly love me?' Peter was grieved that he said to him the third time, `Dost thou dearly love me?' and he said to him, `Lord, thou hast known all things; thou dost know that I dearly love thee.' Jesus saith to him, `Feed my sheep;¡¨

Meaning of Words: ¡§love¡¨: the friendly love, the responsive love, the affective love (phileo ---- the word used by Peter in His answer). ¡§Know¡¨: the subjective consciousness; ¡§Know¡¨: the objective consciousness;

Literal Meaning: ¡§Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?"¡¨ ---- Some Bible exegetes thought the three questions of the Lord hinted as to the failing experience of Peter who thrice denied the Lord.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) The third question of the Lord Jesus to Peter used the ¡§friendly love¡¨, which indicated that the Lord did not mind with what kind of love we love Him but that we love Him at all.

     2) We need not analyze whether our love to the Lord is the ¡§divine love¡¨ or ¡§friendly love¡¨. The Lord pleases that we take care of other believers actively instead of staying in self-consciousness.

     3) In the three times¡¦ questions, the Lord firstly asked Peter: ¡§do you love Me?¡¨, and then entrusted Him: ¡§feed my lambs¡¨. The Lord¡¦s word included two meanings: (1) feeding and taking care of the Lord¡¦s sheep are the manifestation of loving the Lord. (2) Love is the very motivation and basis of feeding and taking care of the Lord.

     4) The Lord may not entrust His sheep to those who believe Him, but He must entrust His sheep to those who believe and love Him. Love shortens the distance between the Lord and us, thus we can enjoy the communion of heart in spirit.

     5) How to feed the lambs of the Lord? Love is enough. Peter Himself had nothing to eat (see v.5), and it was the Lord that prepared everything for Him. We need merely care for the Lord¡¦s commitment, and the Lord will personally prepare everything.

     6) The Lord mentioned thrice: ¡§My sheep¡¨ or ¡§My lambs¡¨ (see v.15-16). Note that believers are the sheep of the Lord, not ours. Many times, we are entrusted with taking care of the Lord¡¦s sheep. However, as time passes, we may unconsciously take them as our sheep, which is out of the question.

 

John. 21:18 ¡§Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast younger, thou wast girding thyself and wast walking whither thou didst will, but when thou mayest be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another will gird thee, and shall carry whither thou dost not will;'¡¨

Literal Meaning: the Lord prophesied the situation that Peter was arrested and martyred when he was old (see v.19), and Peter kept it in mind (see 2Peter 1:14).

Spiritual Meaning: ¡§when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished¡¨, it typified that when our spiritual life was young, we usually walked where we wished without restriction.

  ¡§But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.¡¨ ---- It typified that when we had been grown up in spirit, we would be willing to bear the restriction given by others.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) One who has just been saved may walk freely and do what as he wishes. However, when his spiritual life is increased and his knowledge of the Lord is enlarged, he will be not so free, for God begins to grid Him and carry him where he does not wish.

     2) Believe should seek to be grown up, for a mature life will manifest the mark of the cross, namely, his self has been restricted and deprived. The more one has been deprived of, the more he can supply others.

 

John. 21:19 ¡§This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§and this he said, signifying by what death he shall glorify God; and having said this, he saith to him, `Be following me.'¡¨

The Background: it is said that the Apostle Peter was not only martyred for the Lord on the cross, but also he asked the executioner to crucify him upside-down, for he thought he was unworthy of dying in the same manner with the Lord.

Enlightenment in the Word: 

     1) Those who follow the Lord are the Lord¡¦s, whether they live or die. They not only live for the Lord, and even die for the Lord (see Rom 14:7-8).

     2) To follow the Lord is to devote oneself unto the Lord. If we really love the Lord (see v.15-17), we will surely devote ourselves unto the Lord. How much we love the Lord depends on how much we have devoted to the Lord.

 

John. 21:20 ¡§Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" ¡¨

YLT: ¡§And Peter having turned about doth see the disciple whom Jesus was loving following, (who also reclined in the supper on his breast, and said, `Sir, who is he who is delivering thee up?')¡¨

Literal Meaning: please see chapter 13 (v. 23-25).

 

John. 21:21 ¡§Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Peter having seen this one, saith to Jesus, `Lord, and what of this one?'¡¨

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) We may easiest forget our own responsibility, but interfere with others and plan for others.

     2) According to our natural character, we all like to meddle with others. It is the jealous heart ---- excepting others not as good as us ---- that haunts.

 

John. 21:22 ¡§Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." ¡¨

YLT: ¡§Jesus saith to him, `If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee? be thou following me.' This word, therefore, went forth to the brethren that that disciple doth not die,¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§till I come¡¨, the Lord here had clearly stated that He would come again.

  ¡§What is that to you? You follow Me.¡¨ ---- It meant that no matter whether the encounters of others were favorable or unfavorable, Peter¡¦s responsibility was still following the Lord with a whole heart.

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) We believers should on one hand enjoy the presence (no matter the manifest presence or hidden presence) of the Lord in their life, and on the other hand, we should wait for His second coming.

     2) Following and serving the Lord are personal matters between the Lord and each of us. The situation of others has nothing to do with ourselves. We are individually guided and entrusted by the Lord, so we should never be influenced by the condition of others.

     3) The fellow-workers should not be concerned for the grace and future. Whenever we compare us with others, we may be corrupted from simplicity as to the Christ, thus failing in keeping up with the guidance of the Lord.

 

John. 21:23 ¡§Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?" ¡¨

YLT: ¡§yet Jesus did not say to him, that he doth not die, but, `If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee?'¡¨

Literal Meaning: the last two chapters of this book start from finding the Lord¡¦s resurrection and then enjoy the manifestation of the Lord and finally end in ¡§till I come¡¨. It tells us that before the second coming of the Lord, we believers are confronted with two great matters of life and service ---- our life should rely on the provision of the Lord, and our service should keep up with the guidance of the Lord ---- live in faith till He comes.

 

John. 21:24 ¡§This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.¡¨

YLT: ¡§this is the disciple who is testifying concerning these things, and he wrote these things, and we have known that his testimony is true.¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§this is the disciple who wrote these things¡¨, ¡§these things¡¨ refer to the content written in this book. This sentence indicates that the Apostle John is the author of this book.

  ¡§We know that his testimony is true.¡¨ ---- ¡§We¡¨ refers to those who are able to prove that the content of this book is reliable, including the author therein.

 

John. 21:25 ¡§And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen¡¨

YLT: ¡§And there are also many other things -- as many as Jesus did -- which, if they may be written one by one, not even the world itself I think to have place for the books written. Amen.¡¨

Literal Meaning: ¡§there are also many other things that Jesus did¡¨, it obviously indicated that when John was writing this book, he had made a selection from all the information in his hands. 

  ¡§I suppose that the books that would be written¡¨, the word ¡§I¡¨ undoubtedly is the Apostle John himself.

¡§Even the world itself could not contain¡¨, it indicates that the Lord Jesus not only works in the flesh, but also works after His resurrection continually. Everything that He does in believers is beyond record.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

I.  Be Entrusted to Feed the Lambs of the Lord

A.   The Training Before Being Entrusted

1.    After these things (v.1a) ---- they had experienced much failure.

2.    The disciples came back to the life in the world (v.2-3a) ---- they labored for their life.

3.    That night they caught nothing (v.3b) ---- they realized that they were unreliable.

4.    When the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore (v.4) ---- the end of men is the beginning of God.

B.   The Provision Before Being Entrusted

1.    Children, have you any food? (v.5) ---- The Lord cares for our poverty.

2.    Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. (v.6) ---- He who wants to obtain the provision of the Lord should keep His word.

3.    When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he plunged into the sea (v.7). ---- He could not care for the fish when the Lord came.

4.    They saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread (v.10). ---- The Lord¡¦s provision is well considered in every respect.

5.    Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." (v.11) ---- Every gracious provision of the Lord for us is precious.

6.    The net was full of large fish (v.12-13). ---- The Lord¡¦s provision is always abundant and more than sufficient.

7.    Although there were so many, the net was not broken. (v.16) ---- The Lord will surely keep what He has provided.

8.    None of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?"--knowing that it was the Lord. ---- They could not outwardly confirm whether it was the Lord¡¦s provision, but inwardly they had surely known it was the Lord¡¦s provision.

C.   The Lord Also Dealt With Men When He Was Entrusting the Commitment to Them (v.15-17)

1.    Simon, son of Jonah ---- The Lord dealt with the old men and nature life.

2.    Do you love Me more than these? (v.17b). ---- The Lord dealt with the self-conceit and the heart of loving toward the world.

3.    Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. (v.19, 21, 26) ---- The disciple confessed that his love was insufficient in the enlightenment of the Lord.

4.    Feed My lambs and tend My sheep (v.20). ---- The Lord entrusted His sheep to His disciples.

D.   The Necessary Knowledge of the Lord¡¦s Commitment

1.    When you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished (v.1, 11-16) ---- When our spiritual life is immature, we are unwilling to let our ¡§natural life¡¨ be dealt with.

2.    But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish (v. 8-9). ---- The mark of the mature life is the ¡§death of the nature life¡¨.

3.    Follow Me. (v. 19, 26). ---- Take up one¡¦s cross. Deny himself. Follow the Lord.

4.    But Lord, what about this man? ¡Kwhat is that to you (v.20-22)? ---- Each disciple is personally guided and entrusted by the Lord.

5.    Till I come (v.24-29) ---- One should be diligent till the Lord comes.

 

II.What the One Who Serves the Lord Should Learn

A.   He should never be worried about his life, for the Lord will surely provide the daily necessities for him (v.3, 9-11).

B.   The motivation of service is the love toward the Lord (v.15-17).

C.   He who loves the Lord will surely feed and tend the Lord¡¦s sheep (v.15-17).

D.   One should take up his cross to follow the Lord (v.18-19; Matt 16:24).

E.   One should follow Him with his whole heart instead of paying too much attention to the Lord¡¦s arrangement for other fellow-workmen (v.20-22).

F.    One should not explain the Lord¡¦s word at will (v.23).

 

III.   Signs in This Chapter

A.   And that night they caught nothing. (v.3) ---- The seasoned fishermen even got nothing in the best time.

B.   So they cast according to the Lord¡¦s word, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. (v.6) ---- The amazing effect of the Lord¡¦s word.

C.   They saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread (v.9). ---- The Lord calls the things which are not as being.

D.   And although there were so many, the net was not broken (v.11). ---- The Lord Keeps what He has bestowed.

 

IV.  The Fisherman, the Shepherd, the Friend,

A.   Peter should be fishermen first (v.3-11) ---- to preach the glad tidings

B.   He was entrusted to be the shepherd (v.15-17) ---- to shepherd the flock of the Lord.

C.   To feed in the friendly ¡§love¡¨ (v.17) ---- to be friends with each other in the church.

D.   There is no fear or jealousy in ¡§love¡¨ (v.18-22).

 

V.   One Should Be Fed by the Lord First and Then Feed Others.

A.   One has nothing. Everything is out of the Lord¡¦ provision and feeding (v.3-13).

B.   One should be fed first and then is able to feed others (v.15-17).

 

¢w¢w Caleb Huang¡mChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series¡n

   Translated by Mary Zhou