Peter's Restoration and Calling

This passage concludes the Gospel of John, providing profound insights into Jesus' relationship with His disciples, especially Peter, and hints at the nature of discipleship.

After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. He shares a meal with them, and then turns His attention to Peter. In a pivotal moment, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Each time Peter responded affirmatively, and Jesus instructed him to “feed my lambs” and “tend my sheep,” symbolizing Peter’s calling to shepherd the early church.

Jesus then foretells the manner of Peter's death, implying that Peter will one day sacrifice his life in service to God. Following this, Peter, noticing the disciple whom Jesus loved (commonly understood to be John), asks about his fate. Jesus responds by telling Peter not to worry about others' paths, but to focus on his own calling. The passage closes with a statement from John, affirming the truth of the testimony he has provided in his gospel.

Key Verses and Reflections

John 21:15 - "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?"

Jesus' questioning of Peter three times parallels Peter's earlier threefold denial (John 18:15-27). This is a moment of restoration, with each question symbolizing forgiveness and a fresh commission. Jesus invites Peter to move beyond his past mistakes and embrace the leadership role God has in store for him. This teaches us that no matter our failures, Jesus offers restoration and a path forward when we love and follow Him.

John 21:17 - "Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you."

Peter’s repeated response shows humility and trust. He is not relying on his own strength or pride but recognizes that Jesus truly knows his heart. In modern life, this can remind us to be transparent with God, trusting that He knows us fully, even in our weaknesses.

John 21:18-19 - "When you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go."

Jesus is foretelling Peter’s martyrdom, where Peter would indeed stretch out his hands, likely referring to crucifixion. This shows the cost of discipleship; following Jesus means surrendering control over our lives, sometimes leading us where we would not naturally choose to go. However, there is a higher purpose, and God’s plan for us, though challenging, is for His glory.

John 21:22 - "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? Follow me."

Jesus’ reply to Peter about the beloved disciple reminds us to avoid comparisons in our spiritual journeys. Each person’s walk with Christ is unique. The focus should remain on our own relationship with Jesus and our own calling, not on how others are serving or what they are called to do.

Modern Application

Restoration from Failure: Peter’s restoration offers hope to anyone who feels they’ve fallen short. Jesus doesn’t hold our past failures against us when we repent and return to Him. Instead, He restores us, giving us new purpose and calling.

The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus’ words to Peter about his eventual martyrdom highlight the reality that following Him may come at a significant personal cost. In a world that often prioritizes comfort, power, or personal success, Jesus calls His followers to a different path—one of service, sacrifice, and submission to God’s will.

Focus on Your Journey: We are often tempted to compare ourselves to others—whether in success, faith, or calling. Jesus’ words, “What is that to you? Follow me,” remind us that our journey is unique, and we are called to trust and obey God’s specific plan for our lives, regardless of what others are doing.

Final Words in John’s Gospel

The passage ends by affirming the reliability of the Gospel:

 "This is the disciple who testifies about these things and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true" (John 21:24). 

John’s closing testimony reflects the overarching goal of his Gospel—to bear witness to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, so that readers might believe and have life in His name (John 20:31).

This concluding passage from John 21 provides deep insight into the personal relationship Jesus had with His disciples, His commission to them, and how this translates into a personal calling for each of us today.