John 21  John said that this was the third time that Jesus "manifested" Himself to the disciples.  According to verse 2 there were 7 of them present in Galilee at the lake.  Peter decided to go fishing and took the others with him in the little boat where they fished all night and caught nothing. It was in the early morning that Jesus appeared on the beach and called out to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?"   Sadly, they said "No".  

When Jesus told them to cast the net again on the "right" side of the boat they obeyed and instantly took in a haul of 153 big fish.  What a reminder!  Jesus had told them before that without Him they could do nothing... they were meant to catch more than fish. Jesus had made them fishers of men.. not just fish.  When John realized that it was Jesus on the shore, Peter jumped into the water to go to Him. The rest of the men brought the net full of fish onto the shore.  Although Jesus already had fish cooking on the fire He asked them to bring some that they had just caught.  Peter went back and helped haul in the rest of the fish. 

Jesus served the men some fish and some bread. Then He spoke with Peter what was on His heart. "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"  Three times He asks Peter to confess his love for Jesus.  Three times Peter says, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."  Three times Jesus gives Peter a commission : "Tend to My lambs.. Shepherd My sheep... Tend My sheep."   Peter was given the job of a Shepherd.. to feed the lambs... the young believers; to tend to and cherish the flock.. to serve those who belonged to Jesus.. to take the church forward caring for their spiritual welfare.. to keep them in the green pastures that God would provide. 

Peter would one day be led to a cross.  Jesus told him that morning on the beach.. but it would be when he had grown old.  Peter had nothing to fear and everything to live for.. Jesus had not left him, but entrusted him with His sheep. What assurance that must have been!  John, on the other hand, had a different path to follow.. it would not be the same as Peter's except for the fact that they would both be following Jesus.

Once again, John assures his readers that he saw and wrote all these things.. and that his witness is true. 

Father, lead us to follow Jesus.. in the path that He has for us. Whatever it is that You will for each of us.. may we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint! Thank You for the testimony of John and the others. For the Word of life that You gave to us through Jesus Christ, the Living Word who was with You, Who came to live among us in the flesh, and Who is now sitting at Your right hand. We will see You one day soon. How we long for that glorious day!  Yet, we long for those who are still lost in their sin and rebellion and pray that You would still be patient for their sakes.. turn their hearts to the Truth, Lord God, for we ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.