Introduction
After rising from the dead, Jesus appears to His disciples on several occasions. Paul lists the appearances in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. He appeared to many people individually — to His leaders on several occasions and even to a group of disciples numbering more than 500. On one of these appearances, Jesus repeats a miracle that changed Peter’s life early in the ministry. This is the last breakfast with Jesus. See what instructions Jesus gives about being a leader!
Reading [You can read as much as you can, depending on your availability]
John 21:1-25
Meditating [Use these questions to start your thinking]
- As you read this story, how do you think the disciples were feeling? What failures had they recently experienced?
- What is Jesus modeling for us about leadership?
- What does Jesus expect from His leaders?
- What other questions do you still have?
Sharing: Text ONE of your answers to the questions above to your team. Each team should post a sharing from a team member in the comments below.
Jesus has already met with His leaders two times in Jerusalem behind closed doors (John 21:14) because they are scared to death of the religious leaders and the Roman guard, who are looking to wipe out the Jesus’ movement. Jesus tells them to head back down to Galilee and wait for Him (Matt. 28:10). They head north to Peter’s house on the Sea of Galilee. Peter gets tired of waiting and decides to try his luck at his old profession — fishing. He invites those who are there waiting to come along. They fished all night and caught nothing. Sound familiar, like in Luke 5? Jesus prepares a breakfast of fish and bread for them on the shore as day breaks and, when they are close enough, He calls out to them, “Catch anything?” They answer “No!” in frustration. Jesus then tells them, “‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some’” (John 21:6). They do and, lo and behold, 153 fish are hauled in. John looks at Peter and says, “Hey man, there is only one person who could make this happen.” Peter grabs his tunic and dives into the water and swims for shore to embrace Jesus, while the others drag the net full of fish to shore. They all gather and enjoy an early morning breakfast, Jesus’ last breakfast with them. When they finish, they get up and Jesus leads them on a walk down the beach.
As they walk Jesus asks Peter a series of questions that at first glance all look the same. In fact, Peter’s answers all kind of sound the same. They are not though. You have to keep in mind that it has been weeks now since Jesus has risen from the dead. He has come to them two times as a group. Jesus gently comes to Peter, the head leader, and says to him, “Simon [indicating his life before he met Jesus] son of John, do you truly love [agape] me more than these?” Jesus uses the Greek word for love “agape,” which was the strongest form of love — a sold-out, unconditional love, the type of love that took Jesus to the cross. Peter says back to Jesus, “Yes, Lord…you know that I love [phileo] you.” Notice, that Simon changes the word to “phileo,” which is the Greek word for brotherly love, a very human love between close friends. Jesus responds by saying, “Feed my lambs.” Who were Jesus’ lambs? And who were the “these” that Jesus refers to in the initial question? The “these” must have been the fish that they had just caught lying dead in the sand. I think Jesus was asking Peter, “Am I more important to you than these fish and all they represent — your business, your vocation, and your reputation as a great fisherman? If so, get to work, telling the lost lambs of the world about me. Tend to them. If you love Me, you will obey Me.”
As they walk a little farther, Jesus gently asks again, “Simon son of John, do you truly love [agape] me?” Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo] you.” Jesus responds, “Take care of my sheep.” I think Jesus was here saying to Peter, “I need you to step up to the plate and get to work shepherding the followers and disciples in the movement. But you are not doing it right now — if you love Me, you will get to My work.”
Jesus then asks, “Simon son of John, do you love [phileo] me?” Peter frustrated, responds, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love [phileo] you.” Jesus said “Feed my sheep,” but I think He meant, “The lambs and the sheep of the world need you to lead them. Let’s go! Get your eyes off of yourself and on me. In your flesh, as Simon, you can do nothing, but I can do it through you if you will only take your eyes off of yourself and walk by faith. Look, I can provide for all your needs. You fished all night and caught nothing and at my word, you pulled in 153 fish in seconds. I am big and I can do anything. If you say you love [phileo] Me, obey me.” Wow! What a lesson for Peter. This is the last we read or hear of Peter going back to fishing. Jesus tells Peter to lead the disciples (probably some 500) to a mountain where He will appear to them next. What will happen?
How about you? Do you “phileo” or “agape” Jesus? If you love Him, you will obey Him! I am not sure why Peter was so reluctant to use the word “agape” in his relationship with Jesus. Maybe because he had already said that he would die for Him and then denied he even knew Jesus three times. Maybe he was second-guessing his ability in the flesh to love Jesus. Spend some time talking with others about obedience and shepherding Jesus’ lambs and sheep.
What is Jesus modeling for us about leadership?
– I think theres a few lessons in this passage, one being timing. Christ’s time of making himself known to his people is when they are most at a loss.
When they think they have lost themselves, he will let them know that they have not lost him. They might be down on themes elves all night for catching nothing; but joy comes, if Christ comes. Christ appeared to them, not walking on the water this time, because being risen from the dead, he was different then he has been before. As a different type of leader to look up to, standing upon the shore, because now they were to go towards him.
I think today’s passage highlighted the importance of loving Jesus by also serving Him. When He directs or commands us what to do, we know the purpose and intentions behind it are to care and love on others, just as He cares and loves on us. As disciples and followers of Christ, we’re called to feed/tend to His sheep. When we obey that calling, we are also loving Jesus and His commands for us.
What does Jesus expect from His leaders?
Jesus expects His leaders to foster those lost and open their hearts to Christ. He wants his leaders to follow Him & obey His will.