John 21:9-19
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 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, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him 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, “Tend 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Reflection
There are only two times when a charcoal fire is mentioned in the New Testament: here, and earlier in John’s Gospel when Peter stood by a fire and denied Jesus (John 18:15–27). Now, Peter experiences the reconciling and healing power of the gospel.
Jesus didn’t hurry the process of Peter’s restoration. Just as he had denied Christ three times, the Lord asked Peter to affirm his love three times. Gospel surgery is free, but not always easy. The gospel of grace brings godly grief that turns us from sin to our forgiving Savior (2 Cor. 7:10–11). “Do you love me more than these?” It would have been easier on Peter had Jesus asked him, “Do you promise not to fail me again?” But Jesus knew better than to ask that question; Peter would fail again (e.g., Gal. 2:11–21). Jesus focuses on internal transformation in order to bring about genuine change in our lives. If he has our hearts, he’ll have everything else.
1 Peter 2:13-25
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Reflection
Christians are called to be submissive to earthly authorities, trusting that earthly authorities are in place only by God’s permission (see also Rom. 13:1– 7). In other passages the Bible will help believers consider how to deal with unlawful authorities. Here, however, the focus is on honoring the government that maintains a society’s order, so that God might use us for the progress of the gospel.
At times, submission to authority results in unjust suffering. Why is it a “gracious thing” to suffer unjustly (1 Pet. 2:19–20)? Because, when we refuse to react in sinful ways, we are responding like Jesus. Peter helpfully reminds us that God will not ask of us anything his Son was not willing to undergo himself. By his suffering, we know that any injustice we suffer in this world is merely temporary. In the end, God will ensure that justice is done (v. 23; cf. Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). We also must keep God’s gracious purposes in mind when we suffer so that we do not despair over our suffering as if it were God’s punishment. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24) so that we do not have to. The punishment for our sin was taken by Christ in his crucifixion. It is comforting to know that our suffering is not a sign of God’s anger. As Paul reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). As we suffer the wrath of those who despise us for our faith, our hearts can remain calm knowing that God’s wrath toward us has already been extinguished by the death of his Son.
Psalm 85:4
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!
Jesus’ restoration of Peter is an amazing example of the love available to sinners in the gospel. Pray for those who need to be encouraged by God’s restoring love, and ask God how he wants to use you to provide that encouragement.