“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead.” John 21:14
Dear Ones:
It is hard for us to put ourselves into someone else’s shoes by simply reading about their experiences, but let us try. Scripture tells us that for a span of forty days, the Lord Jesus, after His resurrection, revealed Himself to His disciples in different circumstances, and at different times. For example, we find the Lord revealing Himself to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the other women, who came to His tomb on the first day of the week. Then He appeared to two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. Thirdly, He appears suddenly to the eleven disciples who are gathered together, with the doors closed. In all of these instances, and at specific times, the Lord Jesus chooses to reveal Himself to His disciples. His purposes are clear, and the disciple’s needs are apparent. One of the most interesting times that He reveals Himself is to a group of the disciples, who have agreed with Peter to go fishing. We can only imagine that Peter decided to go fishing because there was so much to assimilate at this time, with regard to the crucifixion, resurrection, and now the revelations of Christ. Fishing would seem to be a great distraction, and at the same time, a wonderful context to be able just to think things through. In examining the manner in which the Lord Jesus will reveal Himself to the disciples, and the words that He chose to speak to them, it is very apparent that He is addressing the issue of the “next step,” and what they are to do.
We find the disciples in a boat, fishing not far from shore, on the sea of Tiberias. They had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. Certainly, they were tired, and hungry. It is then that a voice comes to them across the water from someone on the shore. In response to what this Person tells the disciples to do, they would let down their nets again, capturing a multitude of fish. John recognizes that the One who had spoken to them is the Lord Jesus. Characteristic of Peter, he puts on his “fisher’s coat,” throws himself in the water, and swims to shore to meet the Lord Jesus. The other disciples will come pulling the net full of fish. It is after they have eaten of the fish, and the bread, that had been prepared, that the Lord Jesus addresses Peter concerning his love for Him. He first makes the distinction between the love that Peter has for his brethren, as opposed to that which he has for Jesus. After Peter’s honest answer to Jesus’ question concerning this love, the Lord gives him direction, and purpose, with regard to that which is to come: “Feed My lambs.” Jesus continues to speak to Peter of love’s true, Divine nature, telling him twice more, “Feed My sheep.” By the revelation of Himself to Peter at this time, the Lord is responding to a real need in Peter’s heart, to see, and understand, what the Lord would have him do. After being clear concerning the task before Peter, the Lord then proceeds to speak to him of two things, relative to this matter. The first has to do with the length of his life. He speaks of a period of time, between “when you were young,” and “when you are old.” (Jn.21:18) Not only does He show Peter what he is to do, but reveals to him that it will be over a substantial length of time. Secondly, He reveals to Peter the type of death he will have, one which he will not want to face, but which will glorify God. If Peter is to be a key instrument of God in the building of Christ’s church, then he must understand and embrace the reality, that as Christ was opposed, he too will be opposed. Jesus then gives to Peter two of the greatest words ever spoken: “Follow Me.”
Dear Father, Reveal Thyself to our hearts according to our need, enabling us to follow the Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad