The Epilogue of the Gospel of John
Sunday - December 22, 2024
Meeting in Galilee - The Restoration of Peter (John 21:1-19)
John 13:37, 38; John 20:1-31; John 21:1-19; Luke 5:1-11.
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’ ” (John 21:15)
This passage, particularly John 21:1-19, beautifully encapsulates the restoration of Peter after his denial of Jesus. It speaks not only of Peter’s personal reconciliation with Christ but also of his mission and role in the early Christian Church. Let’s consider this story in the light of the Bible, Ellen G. White’s writings, and the Shepherd’s Rod (SRod), integrating these sources to provide a richer commentary.
The Context of Peter’s Restoration
In John 21, after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter and some of the disciples are fishing on the Sea of Tiberias. They’ve returned to their old life, perhaps out of confusion or despair. They had witnessed the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:1-31), yet Peter had denied Christ three times before His crucifixion (Luke 22:61). This denial weighed heavily on Peter’s conscience.
In Ellen G. White’s writings, particularly in Desire of Ages, she explains that Peter’s denial was not just an individual failure but a temptation that arose from his overconfidence. He had vowed to follow Jesus even unto death (Matthew 26:35), yet in the moment of trial, his faith faltered. White explains that this experience taught Peter a critical lesson in humility and dependence on God’s strength rather than his own (Desire of Ages, p. 813). The restoration of Peter demonstrates God's grace, where, despite human failure, Christ extends forgiveness and trust.
In John 21, Jesus appears on the shore while the disciples are fishing and directs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they do so, they catch 153 large fish. This mirrors the earlier event in Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus calls Peter by performing a similar miracle, marking the beginning of Peter’s call to discipleship. The repetition of this miracle emphasizes that Christ's call to Peter has not changed, despite his previous failure.
The Question of Love – “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17)
The crux of this passage comes when Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17). In a way, this echoes the three denials Peter had made before the crucifixion. Each question allows Peter the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment to Christ, which corresponds to his earlier failure.
Ellen White notes that Jesus’ questioning was not for Jesus’ own assurance, but for Peter’s benefit. Peter needed to understand that forgiveness and restoration could only come through true love and commitment to Christ. His failure was not final because Christ's grace is greater than our sins. White writes: “It was in the presence of his brethren, and in the sight of the world, that Peter was to proclaim his loyalty to Christ... To accept Christ’s forgiveness, Peter must confess his sin” (Desire of Ages, p. 813).
This is deeply significant for all believers. Restoration after failure comes not through our own strength or merit, but through sincere love for Christ, shown by repentance and commitment. The act of asking Peter to tend to His sheep is both a call to leadership and a reminder of the responsibility of love and service in Christ’s name.
The Role of Peter in Shepherding – “Feed My Lambs” (John 21:15-17)
When Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love Me?” and Peter responds affirmatively, Jesus’ command is to "Feed My lambs" and "Tend My sheep" (John 21:15-17). This emphasizes the responsibility of the disciple, not only to care for their own spiritual life but also to lead others in the faith.
The Shepherd’s Rod also highlights the importance of leadership in Christ’s church. In SRod writings, there is a strong emphasis on the qualifications of those who are to lead God’s people. Leadership is seen as a service to the flock, much like Jesus' own example of humility (SRod, Vol. 1). In this sense, Peter’s restoration and commissioning represent the broader call to all Christians to shepherd others, not from a place of pride or authority, but in love, humility, and service.
In Desire of Ages, Ellen White emphasizes that Peter’s experience reveals the principle that “the first work of the Christian leader is to help the lambs—the weak and tender believers, and those who are newly converted” (Desire of Ages, p. 813). Christ’s instruction to Peter highlights that leadership is about guiding others to a deeper relationship with Christ, nurturing their faith, and encouraging them in their journey.
Peter’s Future – The Cost of Following Christ (John 21:18-19)
In John 21:18-19, Jesus gives Peter a glimpse of his future, telling him that he will face martyrdom. “When you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” Jesus was speaking of Peter’s death, indicating the ultimate test of love and commitment that Peter would face—dying for the faith. This prediction, however, serves to affirm that Peter's earlier failure (denying Christ) was not a barrier to his full commitment to the gospel, which would later involve the ultimate sacrifice.
Ellen White points out that Peter’s death was a fulfillment of his earlier proclamation: "I will lay down my life for You" (John 13:37). While Peter had faltered earlier, he would eventually come to understand the depth of his commitment to Christ, which would lead him to death on the cross, like his Lord (Desire of Ages, p. 815).
This reminds us that the Christian journey is one of growth, from failure to victory, and that every believer has a call to live and, if necessary, to die for the gospel. The SRod writings also stress the importance of remaining faithful, even in the face of persecution and trials, for it is in those moments that our true love for Christ is proven.
Consider the Following
❖ The restoration of Peter (Jn. 21:1-19)
— What prompted Peter to return to his old activity? Was it boredom from waiting? Was it the need to find resources to support himself and others? Was it remorse? Was it insecurity? In any case, the night of fishing – again – was a failure (John 21:3).
— “Simon […] do you love me (agapaō )?” “Yes, Lord; YOU KNOW that I love you (fileō )” (Jn. 21:15).
— Leaving behind his former arrogance [“I will lay down my life for you” (Jn. 13:37)], Peter humbly admitted that, on his own, he could not come to love as Jesus loved him. His only security was to put himself in Jesus’ hands: “you know.”
— Like Peter, put your life in the hands of Jesus and do not trust your own opinion
The restoration of Peter in John 21 is a profound and beautiful narrative of grace, love, and forgiveness. Through the repeated question, "Do you love Me?" Jesus not only heals Peter’s brokenness but also reestablishes his mission. Peter is called to feed Christ’s lambs, tending to the flock with love, humility, and diligence. Ellen G. White and SRod writings both stress the importance of genuine commitment to Christ, the responsibility of Christian leadership, and the willingness to sacrifice all for the sake of the gospel. As we reflect on Peter’s restoration, may we also reaffirm our love for Christ and embrace the call to serve Him faithfully in our lives.
