Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. …Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. …He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some (fish).” When they did they were unable to haul in the net because of the large number of fish.

John 21:1-6

This is not the first time Jesus filled the nets of the fishermen. On the first occasion Simon Peter was so astounded he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). It had dawned on him who Jesus really was. Then he, Andrew, James, and John promptly left their nets to fish for men.

On this occasion they were back fishing again, not knowing quite what to do with themselves. Peter jumps in the water and heads for land as soon as he realizes it is the Lord. Once the great haul of fish is dragged ashore, Jesus invites them to breakfast.

The conversation Peter and Jesus share after they have eaten shook Peter to the core. Three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, reminiscent of the three times Peter had denied knowing Him as He was on trial. There is much godly debate over the precise meaning of the conversation; but the commentators agree it is to restore Peter, not to dwell on his prior denials.

The call to Peter is to shepherd Jesus’ flock. How cool is that, considering Jesus is the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as my Father knows me and I know the Father” (John 10:11,14-15). Jesus knows all things about Peter, and He has seen his heart. All Peter needs to do is follow Him (John 21:19).

Critical here is how Peter answered Jesus’ call, not how John would respond (John 21:20-22). Have you responded to the call Jesus has on your life? Are you following Him? Shepherding is a ministry of love and caring. In essence we are all called to be shepherds—to love and care for our neighbors as the Good Shepherd would.

Nancy P

All Scripture quotations are from the NIV 1973, 1978, 1984, unless otherwise noted.