211 After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias , and He manifested Himself in this way . 2 Simon Peter , and Thomas called Didymus , and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee , and the sons of Zebedee , and two others of His disciples were together . 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing ." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat ; and that night they caught nothing . 4 But when the day was now breaking , Jesus stood on the beach ; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus . 5 So Jesus said to them, "Children , you do not have any fish , do you?" They answered Him, "No ." 6 And He said to them, " Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast , and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish . 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter , "It is the Lord ." So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord , he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea . 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat , for they were not far from the land , but about one hundred yards away , dragging the net full of fish . 9 So when they got out on the land , they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread . 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have now caught ." 11 Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land , full of large fish , a hundred and fifty-three e ; and although there were so many , the net was not torn . 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast ." None of the disciples ventured to question Him, "Who are You?" knowing that it was the Lord . 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise . 14 This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples , after He was raised from the dead .
15 So when they had finished breakfast , Jesus said to Simon Peter , "Simon , son of John , do you love Me more than these ?" He said to Him, "Yes , Lord ; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs ." 16 He said to him again a second time , "Simon , son of John , do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes , Lord ; You know that I love You." He said to him, " Shepherd My sheep ." 17 He said to him the third time , "Simon , son of John , do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time , "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord , You know all things ; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, " Tend My sheep . 18 "Truly , truly , I say to you, when you were younger , you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished ; but when you grow old , you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." 19 Now this He said , signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God . And when He had spoken this , He said to him, " Follow Me!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 21:1-19
Commentary on John 21:1-14
(Read John 21:1-14)
Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his ordinances; but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when employed in their business. It is good for the disciples of Christ to be together in common conversation, and common business. The hour for their entering upon action was not come. They would help to maintain themselves, and not be burdensome to any. Christ's time of making himself known to his people, is when they are most at a loss. He knows the temporal wants of his people, and has promised them not only grace sufficient, but food convenient. Divine Providence extends itself to things most minute, and those are happy who acknowledge God in all their ways. Those who are humble, diligent, and patient, though their labours may be crossed, shall be crowned; they sometimes live to see their affairs take a happy turn, after many struggles. And there is nothing lost by observing Christ's orders; it is casting the net on the right side of the ship. Jesus manifests himself to his people by doing that for them which none else can do, and things which they looked not for. He would take care that those who left all for him, should not want any good thing. And latter favours are to bring to mind former favours, that eaten bread may not be forgotten. He whom Jesus loved was the first that said, It is the Lord. John had cleaved most closely to his Master in his sufferings, and knew him soonest. Peter was the most zealous, and reached Christ the first. How variously God dispenses his gifts, and what difference there may be between some believers and others in the way of their honouring Christ, yet they all may be accepted of him! Others continue in the ship, drag the net, and bring the fish to shore, and such persons ought not to be blamed as worldly; for they, in their places, are as truly serving Christ as the others. The Lord Jesus had provision ready for them. We need not be curious in inquiring whence this came; but we may be comforted at Christ's care for his disciples. Although there were so many, and such great fishes, yet they lost none, nor damaged their net. The net of the gospel has enclosed multitudes, yet it is as strong as ever to bring souls to God.
Commentary on John 21:15-19
(Read John 21:15-19)
Our Lord addressed Peter by his original name, as if he had forfeited that of Peter through his denying him. He now answered, Thou knowest that I love thee; but without professing to love Jesus more than others. We must not be surprised to have our sincerity called into question, when we ourselves have done that which makes it doubtful. Every remembrance of past sins, even pardoned sins, renews the sorrow of a true penitent. Conscious of integrity, Peter solemnly appealed to Christ, as knowing all things, even the secrets of his heart. It is well when our falls and mistakes make us more humble and watchful. The sincerity of our love to God must be brought to the test; and it behoves us to inquire with earnest, preserving prayer to the heart-searching God, to examine and prove us, whether we are able to stand this test. No one can be qualified to feed the sheep and lambs of Christ, who does not love the good Shepherd more than any earthly advantage or object. It is the great concern of every good man, whatever death he dies, to glorify God in it; for what is our chief end but this, to die to the Lord, at the word of the Lord?