John 21:1–19 presents a deeply intimate and restorative encounter between the resurrected Jesus and his disciples, particularly Peter, by the Sea of Tiberias. This passage serves as both a continuation of the resurrection narrative and a profound moment of reconciliation and commissioning.

The chapter begins with seven of the disciples, Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John (the sons of Zebedee), and two others, returning to their old profession of fishing. Peter, perhaps uncertain about the future or struggling with guilt after denying Jesus, takes the initiative. They fish all night but catch nothing, echoing a similar event from earlier in Jesus’ ministry (Luke 5). At dawn, Jesus appears on the shore, though they don’t recognize him at first. He calls out to them, asking if they’ve caught any fish, and when they say no, he instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They obey and suddenly the net fills with fish, an abundance too great to ignore.

It’s John who first realises, “It’s the Lord!” and tells Peter, who immediately dives into the sea to swim to Jesus. The others follow in the boat, dragging the full net. When they come ashore, they find a charcoal fire prepared, with fish and bread already laid out. Jesus invites them to bring some of their catch and share breakfast with him. He breaks the bread and gives it to them, just as he’d done at the feeding of the multitude and during the Last Supper. This quiet, tender moment reveals the character of the risen Christ; not distant or ethereal, but present, nurturing, and generous.

After the meal, Jesus turns to Peter in a personal exchange that mirrors Peter’s threefold denial. Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter affirms his love, increasingly grieved by the repetition. With each response, Jesus commissions him: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” This isn’t only a reinstatement of Peter’s role but a deep healing of his failure. The triple affirmation reestablishes Peter not just as forgiven, but as a trusted shepherd of Jesus’ followers.

The passage concludes with Jesus predicting Peter’s future martyrdom, using the imagery of being led where he does not want to go, an indication of the cost of discipleship. He finishes with the same words he used at the beginning of Peter’s journey: “Follow Me.”

This scene is rich with symbolism; nets bursting with fish, the charcoal fire recalling Peter’s denial, and the shared meal speaking of communion and fellowship. More than just a narrative, it’s a portrayal of the grace of Christ. He meets his followers in their confusion, provides for them, restores them, and calls them again into service. For Peter, and for every disciple, it’s a reminder that failure isn’t the end, and that love for Christ is the foundation of true leadership and mission.

Note: there’s actually a deeper meaning in the threefold commission, but that’s for another time.