Author John Piper wrote, “We weren’t meant to be somebody–we were meant to know Somebody.” Making a name for yourself should not be your goal. Peter and the other disciples’ goal was to be successful fisherman. When they caught nothing, it seemed like failure. Christ taught them that success is a by-product of knowing and obeying Christ.
Jesus showed Himself to His disciples who joined Peter and caught nothing while going fishing. They did not know it was Jesus when He asked if they had any fish. After telling the disciples to cast on the right side of the boat, they caught many fish. When John identified the person as Jesus, Peter put on his outer garment and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples dragged the net containing 153 large fish to the land. Jesus urged them to have breakfast and gave them bread and fish. This was the third time he showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead (John 21:1-14). Success is a by-product of knowing and obeying Christ.
Jesus asked Peter is He loved Him more than fish. Peter said he loved Him as a friend. Jesus said to “tend My lambs.” Jesus asked Peter a second time if he loved Him unselfishly to the point of being willing to sacrifice. Peter said that he loved Him as a friend. Jesus to “shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked Peter a third time if he loved Him as a friend. Peter was grieved that Jesus said the third time if he loved Him as a friend. Peter said, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (friend) You.” Jesus said to “tend My sheep.” He said that Peter used to go wherever he wanted but when he got older, someone would crucify him. Jesus signified the kind of death by which he would glorify God. He told Peter to follow Him and not concern himself about John who would live until He came (John 21:15-23). Jesus tests you until you love Him more than earthly things.
John bore witness and wrote these things. We know his witness was true. Many other things Jesus did that if they were written in detail, the world could not contain all the books (John 21:24-25). Jesus bears witness to truth.
What do you love more than Christ? Repent of your sin and ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your love for Christ so He becomes the most important thing in your life. Jesus bears witness to reality and truth!
