What Next?

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

John 21

Luke 5:1-11

What Next?

The disciples had spent three years with Jesus—a time marked by highs and lows, moments of excitement and disappointment. Surrounded by demanding crowds and hostile religious leaders, their lives still held purpose and direction. They had left everything to follow Him.

But Jesus' crucifixion left them shocked, grieving, and searching for answers. Though He had warned them of His coming death, 'they did not understand what this meant, as it was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it.' Luke 9:44-45 

Even after the resurrection, their future still felt uncertain. What were they to do now?

They remained in Jerusalem for a time, then returned to Galilee—just as Jesus had told them. There, they went back to their old trades and familiar habits.

It is significant that Jesus sent His disciples back to where they had started—yet this time, to give them new direction and renewed purpose.

The Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee, had been the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. And it was here, once again, that He met with His disciples.

The Emptiness We Bring

Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, 'I'm going fishing!' The others said, 'We will go with you.' They went out in their boat. But they didn't catch a thing that night. John 21:2-3

The reality of life without Jesus began to settle in. The same trade. The same toil. The same emptiness they had known before. Tired, hungry and downcast, perhaps they remembered that earlier day—after another fruitless night—when, at Jesus' word, they caught such a huge number of fish that their nets began to break. Two boats overflowed with fish and began to sink (Luke 5:1-11). I can imagine they wished Jesus was still with them.

The fame they once enjoyed was long forgotten. Without Jesus, they were just simple fishermen again.

At dawn, they were interrupted by the unexpected voice of a stranger—or so they thought. Jesus was standing on the beach, though they couldn’t yet see who He was.

'Fellows, have you caught any fish?' 'No,' they replied. Then He said, 'Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!' So, they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It's the Lord!' John 21:5-7

The Forgiveness Christ Offers

John was the first to realise the stranger on the shore was Jesus. Yet the first to jump into the water to reach Him was Peter.

Once, another miraculous catch had made Peter fall at Jesus' feet in worship. Then, burdened by his own sinfulness, he had unknowingly asked Jesus to leave. Not so this time. Now, Peter knew Jesus better than he ever had before.

He was now more deeply conscious of his sin than he had ever been. He remembered his denial, and no doubt, he remembered the secret meeting that Jesus Christ had with him on the day of the Resurrection, when, surely, He communicated His frank and full assurance of forgiveness. Therefore, He knew far more of Christ’s dignity and character and nature after the Resurrection than he had done on that day, long ago, by the banks of the lake. - MacLaren's Expositions

If the burden of our sin makes us depart from Jesus, then we have not yet known the character of Jesus.

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter before any of the other disciples (Luke 24:34). Jesus sought Peter. That private, unexpected appearance—though only briefly mentioned—was the moment their relationship was restored. The sorrow of that night may still have lingered, but the rift between them had been healed.

And it wasn't only Peter who had failed Jesus.

All the disciples had fled on the night He was crucified.

Thomas doubted.

But Jesus forgave them all.

His forgiveness didn't mean their failure was insignificant. It didn't mean their sin didn't grieve Him. It simply meant their sin was pardoned—at His cost.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him. Ps.103:10-11

The Abundance Christ Provides

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  So, Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. John 21:9-14

Jesus was there—and breakfast was ready. He offered a simple invitation that said so much. The Son of God, once again, served His disciples. He knew their toil. He knew their disheartenment. He knew their needs—and cared enough to meet them where they were.

He provided in abundance—far more than they needed. Though small fish usually swarmed the lake, this time their catch was made up of 153 great fish. Miraculously, the net did not tear.

Even what they had caught was used—yet it was all from what He had already provided.

The memory of standing by the fire, warming himself—just moments before denying Jesus—must have still burned in Peter's heart. I can't imagine he had any expectation that his calling would be renewed, yet Jesus did just that. Peter was once again challenged to serve and follow Him.

None of the disciples objected. Perhaps in Jesus' presence, each one felt the weight of their own unworthiness.

Yet with Jesus, failure is never final. He turns failure into fruitfulness and gives painful memories new meaning. - Brian More

Grace, upon Grace

Still, to me, the one who silently shines in this passage—and not only here—is not Peter, but John. The disciple Jesus loved is always full of grace and faithfulness.

He was the first to believe in the resurrection, and now the first to recognise Jesus. A close friend of Peter, he remained a true and loyal friend. Yet John did more than stand beside him—he pointed him to Christ.

John didn't rush ahead or claim the spotlight. He stayed in the boat, bringing the catch ashore, allowing his friend a one-to-one moment with Jesus. With humility, he followed at a distance.

Peter, on the other hand, looked back and asked, 'Lord, what about him?' What will become of him?

Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.' John 21:22

Jesus' reply makes me wonder if Peter's tone or intention was not one that pleased Him—perhaps tinged with jealousy or curiosity more than heartfelt concern.

In contrast, the grace with which John retells the account—even after Peter's death—and the humility with which he closes his gospel are just as remarkable as the way he begins it:

From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:16

What Next?

From His fullness, Christ will always provide—grace, upon grace...