Do You Truly Love Me More Than These?

John 21:1- 25
Key verse:v15  “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

It appears that John’s gospel concludes in John 20.  However, John showed us how the risen Jesus displayed the full extent of his love to his disciples (John 13:1) and restored Peter as the shepherd of his flock this chapter.

1. Read verses 1-6.  Where and to whom did the risen Jesus appear again? (1-2, 14; Mt 26:32)  What did Peter and the disciples want to do and what was the result? (3) How might they have felt when they caught nothing? How did Jesus help to restore them after their failure? (4-6)  

Read verses 1-6.  

 ¹ Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias.^{[ HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2021&version=NIV1984" \l "fen-NIV1984-26889a" \o "See footnote a" a]} It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  ⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. ⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”  “No,” they answered.  ⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 

Where and to whom did the risen Jesus appear again? (1-2, 14; Mt 26:32)

By the sea of Tiberias: It probably was the official Roman name, while Sea of Galilee was the popular name. The name came from the town of Tiberias (the name after the 2^nd emperor of Rome).  This was the place Jesus called his disciples (Mark 1:16, Lk 5:1-11) and he promised he would go ahead of them into Galilee after resurrection (Mt26:32).  It was the third time (14) that he appeared to his disciples (7 disciples. This account included only the events Jesus appeared in the disciples (actually 4^th time if the event that the risen Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene is included)

What did Peter and the disciples want to do and what was the result? (3)

The disciples did not know what to do, so they did that which was necessary, and in taking this initiative they put themselves in a place where Christ met them. Here is the truth, attested to by the disciples, that when we are uncertain what to do we should simply do our duty and God will guide. 

That night they catch nothing (v. 3). They have done what they thought they could do best but experienced a miserable failure. This prepared them to learn one of the most important lessons of discipleship--apart from Jesus they can do nothing (15:5). Jesus had taught this lesson before, for "never in the Gospels do the disciples catch a fish without Jesus' help."  But they needed the lesson repeated, as we often do as well. 

How might they have felt when they caught nothing?

They may have felt deep sense of failure.  We look up God only when we experience a complete failure and utter helplessness; it is God’s time.

How did Jesus help to restore them after their failure? (4-6)  

The turning point comes early in the morning, perhaps symbolizing the dawning of spiritual light. Jesus is described again as simply standing there, without a description of his arrival on the spot (v. 4, 20:14, 19, 26).

Jesus took the initiative and called to them: Friends, haven't you any fish? (v. 5). The word translated friends (paidiai) is more literally "children" or even "little children." This usage, unique to John, is probably the sense here in John 21 also (Oepke 1967b:638). Thus, this greeting was unusual and so would have sounded strange to the disciples. 

The disciples admitted they had failed at fishing (v. 5), and Jesus told them, Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some (v. 6). He didn't offer a suggestion; he gave a promise that in fact they would find fish where he directed them to cast. When they obeyed they could not even get the net into the boat because there were so many fish enclosed in it (v. 6). Such abundance reminded them the enormous success they had experienced with Jesus (Lk 5:1-11).  

2.    Read verses 7-14. Who recognized Jesus first? (7a; Lk 5:1-11)  What did Peter and the other disciples do? (7b-8)  How did Jesus serve the disciples? (9-13) How successful was their fishing? (11) How might they have felt when Jesus served them? (12-13)

 Read verses 7-14.

⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^{[ HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2021&version=NIV1984" \l "fen-NIV1984-26896b" \o "See footnote b" b] 9} When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.  ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  ¹¹ Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 

2-1> Who recognized Jesus first? (7a; Lk 5:1-11)  

It is the Beloved Disciple (John) who was able to discern the identity of the stranger on the shore (v. 7).

2-2> What did Peter and the other disciples do? (7b-8) 

Peter wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water (v. 7). The text says literally that Peter was naked (en gar gymnos, paraphrased in the NIV), and this seems to have been typical for such work (Nun 1997:20-21). Most likely, then, he had been working naked and had put on a loincloth before swimming to shore (Nun 1997:23, 37). The other disciples follow in the boat, towing the catch (v. 8). 

2-3>  How did Jesus serve the disciples? (9-13) 

The risen Jesus had already prepared for a charcoal fire with bread and (v. 9).   There is no indication of where Jesus got the bread and fish; the appearance of the food is as mysterious as his own. He knew the disciples were very hungry after all night’s  hard work.  He knew their big appetite. We experience that our temper is short and however beneficial the lesson is we can’t concentrate on it when our stomachs are empty.  The Lord had breakfast ready for them, another sign of his grace and provision, 

The first one to speak was Jesus, and he told them to bring some of the fish they have caught (v. 10). Although Jesus addressed all the disciples (enenkate, bring, plural), it was Peter who brought the catch ashore, apparently by himself (v. 11). Rather, Jesus spoke yet another command--an invitation to have breakfast (v. 12). Throughout this encounter with Jesus the disciples had not said anything. The scene was one of great awe, with none of them daring to ask him, Who are you? (v. 12). 

After inviting them to come and eat, he himself came to the fire. He took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish (v. 13). This description echoes his action at the feeding of the five thousand (6:11) and provides the climax of this story. It answers their unasked questions--he is recognized in this breaking of the bread as in Luke (cf. Lk 24:30-31). 

2-4> How successful was their fishing? (11)

¹¹ Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

Various suggestions have been made over the years for the significance of the number 153. The emphasis in the story, however, is simply on how many fish there were and the fact that the net did not break. On the simplest level, these details speak of the abundance that the gracious God provides and how he also enables the abundance to be received. If more specific symbolism is present, perhaps the fish represent a large influx of believers from various nations and the unbroken net may represent the unity of God’s people (or church).

2-5> How might they have felt when Jesus served them? (12-13)

They could not say anything; in one hand, they were embarrassed just like children who are caught by father in the midst of mischief and in another, they were so grateful and moved by his grace. The Lord who ought to be their master also served them, continuing a theme found during the ministry (for example, 13:5, 13). 

3.    Read verse 15-17. After eating, to whom did Jesus speak and why? (15) What did Jesus ask Peter? (15-17) What did he mean by, “Do you truly love me more than these”?  Why did Jesus ask Peter three times? What was Peter’s response and Jesus’ command each time? (15-17)

Read verse 15-17.

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  ¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

3-1>  After eating, to whom did Jesus speak and why? (15) 

He asked Peter, calling “Simon son of John” (not Simon Peter), which was his name before he had met Jesus.  Peter denied that he was Simon Peter (Jesus’ disciple) three times when he was challenged.

3-2> What did Jesus ask Peter? (15-17) 

“Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”  “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  There are two Greek verbs used for love here; truly love (agapao) and love (phileo).

Behind this translation there are two verbs for love, truly love (agapao) and love (phileo). In the past it was common to find a great distinction between these two words; agapao is divine love and phileo a lower, human love, although in recent years it is thought that they are close synonyms. In fact, for both verbs are used of the love of the Father for the Son (3:35; 5:20), and agapao can be used of false love, for example, the love of this world (2 Tim 4:10). However, John clearly recorded Jesus asking Peter twice using ‘agapao’.

3-3> What does did he mean by, “Do you truly love me more than these”?  

Jesus’ question is extremely challenging one, indeed, it is the ultimate question in life: do you truly love me more than these? (v. 15). What does these refer to? If it is his net and boat (i.e., his job), family (wife and children), friends, honor, money, future security, human achievement, national dream or even including his life,  Then this question gets at the central point of discipleship and reveals a person's heart.  It is also related to our purpose of life. (Deut 6:5) What do we love the most? Have we abandoned all to follow Jesus? Every time we are faced with a temptation this question is raised. Every time we become preoccupied with even the good things God gives us this question is raised. 

But, while all of these are true, it is probably not the specific point here. By these Jesus probably means "these other disciples." According to the other Gospels, Peter had boasted that though all the others fall away, he would not (Mt 26:33 par. Mk 14:29; Lk 22:33; Jn 13:37). John does not record this boast, but Peter's actions in swimming to shore and hauling up the net by himself reveal the same attitude. Jesus' question, therefore, goes even deeper than the issue of false attachments. He gets at the root of all sin, namely, pride. 

3-4> Why did Jesus ask Peter three times? 

Peter denied Jesus three times, which was very painful memory. When the third time Jesus asked whether he loves him, Peter was hurt, that was, deeply grieved (elypethe, v. 17). Peter's pride was cut to the quick. Here we see the Great Surgeon performing painful but necessary surgery. The light is shining in the darkness of Peter's heart, bringing life. This is "joy-producing sorrow" (The Ladder of Divine Ascent, chap. 7), the repentance that enables one to experience the Lord's love and salvation. Without such brokenness we are full of self and unable to hear and receive the guidance of the Chief Shepherd, our Lord. 

3-5> What was Peter’s response and Jesus’ command each time? (15-17)

Peter replies, Yes, Lord, . . . you know that I love you (v. 15). He did not claim to love Jesus more than the others do.  He did not claim he truly love (agapao) Jesus. It suggests he became to know his human limitation through his failure. 

In response to the third question, Peter says, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you (v. 17). Peter was dying to self and finding his confidence only in the Lord. It is the Lord who knows (cf. 1:42, 47-48; 2:25). Despite his failure, Peter did love Jesus. 

After each profession of love Jesus gives a similar command, using different words. First he is to feed [boske] lambs (arnia, v. 15); then he is to shepherd [poimaine] sheep (probata, v. 16). The third command includes a word from both of the previous commands (v. 17, boske/probata), thereby tying the three commands together. These commands suggest that we have a comprehensive image of shepherding. God himself was known as the shepherd of Israel (Gen 49:24; Ps 80:1; Is 40:11), and under him the leaders of his people were known as shepherds (2 Sam 5:2; Jer 23:4; Ezek 34). This motif continues in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 2:25; 5:1-4). Jesus himself is the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-18), and now he commissions Peter to care for the flock that belongs to Jesus, for they are my lambs . . . my sheep. This was Jesus’ specific command for Peter, who would be the leader of the church and shepherd for his flock.

The key qualification for this task, as this chapter indicates, is a true love for Jesus. Peter already had a devotion to Jesus, but he was still full of self will and was thrusting himself to the front. But Peter himself learned his lesson.

4.    Read verses 18-25. What will happen to Peter when he is old? (18,19a) What did Jesus say to Peter? (19b) Why did Peter ask about John? (20-21) What was Jesus’ answer? (22-23) How did the author conclude? (24-25) 

Read verses 18-25. 

¹⁸ I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”  ²⁰ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) ²¹ When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”  ²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” ²³ Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”  ²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.  ²⁵ Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. 

4-1>  What will happen to Peter when he is old? (18,19a) 

¹⁸ I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. 

After Peter professed his obedient love, Jesus spelled out the cost of that love. He contrasts Peter's youth, his life up to this point, with what is coming. He has been able to go wherever he wanted, but when he is old, Jesus tells him, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go (v. 18). Here is an explicit contrast between Peter's life of self will and his coming under the will of another. He has just submitted to Jesus and his will, and now Jesus says such submission is going to include being taken where he does not want to go. 

John says this obscure saying is an indication of the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God (v. 19). According to tradition, Peter was crucified head down during the Nero’s persecution in the mid sixties A.D. (Eusebius Ecclesiastical History 2.25.5; 3.1.2-3). So John, late in the first century, knows that Peter's hands were stretched out and tied to a cross. The word dress (zonnymi) which was used for getting dressed. It may refer here to the binding of a person's arms to the crossbeam as they are led to crucifixion (Beasley-Murray 1987:408-9). Jesus predicts that Peter also will glorify God by his death (v. 19). 

4-2>  What did Jesus say to Peter? (19b) 

“Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (19b)

Having spelled out his will for Peter, Jesus calls him to follow him (v. 19). Peter had answered such a call at the outset of the ministry, but now he understands much more about who Jesus is and what following him entails. He has also received a commission from the Lord for leadership in the community of faith. So this is a call to recommit himself. 

4-3> Why did Peter ask about John? (20-21) 

²⁰ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) ²¹ When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

4-4> What was Jesus’ answer? (22-23) 

²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Jesus repeats his call: If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me (v. 22). Jesus is indeed Lord, and his will shall be accomplished in the Beloved Disciple's life, but that is none of Peter's business. Peter can trust Jesus with the life of his friend. 

4-5> How did the author conclude? (24-25) 

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.  ²⁵ Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. 

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