Eastertide 3rd Sunday April 4 2025
John 21: 1-19 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as 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.
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. 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 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat 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.
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you 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 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. 18 Very truly I tell you, 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!”
In John 21:1-19, we encounter the risen Christ appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. This event echoes earlier moments in the Gospels, reminding the disciples of their initial calling to be fishers of men.
The scene shifts to a quiet breakfast on the shore, where Jesus shares bread and fish with His disciples—a gesture of communion and fellowship. It is here that Jesus has a profound conversation with Peter, asking him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with a command to “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” This exchange is a moment of restoration for Peter, who had denied Jesus three times before His crucifixion. Jesus not only forgives Peter but also commissions him for the vital role he will play in shepherding the early Church.
This passage invites us to reflect on the themes of renewal, forgiveness, and calling. Just as Jesus restored Peter and reaffirmed his purpose, He offers us new beginnings and opportunities to follow Him more closely. The miraculous catch of fish reminds us of the abundance that comes when we trust and obey Christ, even when circumstances seem fruitless. And the call to “Feed my sheep” challenges us to care for others and live out our faith in tangible ways.
Prayer: Risen Lord, thank You for meeting us in our moments of need and offering us grace and renewal. Just as You restored Peter, restore us when we falter. Help us to trust in Your guidance, even when the path seems uncertain, and to embrace the abundance of Your provision. Teach us to love You deeply and to care for those You have entrusted to us. May we follow You faithfully, wherever You lead.
Amen.