50. John 21:1-25 Following Jesus into the World

  3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.  

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• God is our provider (vv. 3–6).
• God restores us and gives us purpose again. Jesus doesn’t scold Peter for denying Him three times. Instead, He restores him through three affirmations of love returning him to his role as a shepherd (vv. 15–17). 
• Jesus calls us to follow Him, even into sacrifice (vv. 18–19).  

• We are forgetful, easily discouraged and prone to return to old habits (v. 3).

• We all carry failures but God uses them for good.

• Following Jesus isn't just about believing; it's about actively participating in His work in the world (vv. 15-17). "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," "Feed my sheep."  

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What did this passage mean to its original audience?

• To the first readers of John’s Gospel—especially those under persecution—this passage would have brought hope, healing, and calling. Peter, who failed in public, was restored in public. That would have encouraged early believers who felt disqualified by their own weaknesses.
  Jesus’ personal invitation to Peter, despite his failure, reminded them (and reminds us) that Jesus uses broken people for His mission. The prediction of Peter’s future suffering (v. 18) showed that faithfulness might be costly, but it’s still worth it. The final words—“Follow me”—summarize the Christian life: no matter the past or future, keep walking with Jesus.

What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions? 
 There was a time in my life when, like Peter, I was stuck in guilt and shame—trapped by my past failures. I had once promised to follow Jesus with passion and devotion, just like Peter did. But the truth was, I didn’t fully understand what it would cost to follow Him. After that, I had to walk through a long, dark tunnel of failure.

During that time, I tried to live in my own strength, much like Peter going back to fishing and struggling all night without catching anything. I tried hard to "make life work" on my own. But Jesus didn’t give up on me. He waited for me. He met me again, comforted me, and began to restore me. And then—He called me to follow Him once more.
Through this journey, I came to realize that I am still loved. I am still forgiven. And that’s why I’m here today.

When I hear Jesus’ words—“Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep”—I now understand that following Him isn’t just about believing privately. It’s about joining Him in His mission to the world.

I’ve come to love Jesus more deeply for His mercy, His patience, and His grace. I feel a renewed desire not just to receive His love, but to respond to it through service. Feeding His sheep might mean offering encouragement, practical help, or simply sharing His truth with someone in need. More than ever, I want my love for Jesus to move me toward fulfilling His purpose for my life.