Third Sunday of Easter John 21:1-19

Context

This passage comes right at the end of the Gospel of John (save for just a few concluding verses excluded from the lectionary pericope). John 21 reads as a rather strange epilogue to this gospel, especially after chapter 20 has provided a fairly neat conclusion—and, indeed, most scholars see this final chapter as a later addition.

There are no manuscript traditions that lack this epilogue, though, and the early church obviously viewed it as authentic and significant. We are told that this is Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance to the disciples.

Preaching Angles

Fishing Bookends

If we read John together with the synoptic gospels, we find fishing…

1. What is a time when you dealt with disappointment in what you hoped to receive from God or in the fruit of your ministry?

2. What are some ways that this experience shaped your character and your faith? Are there times when it has taken a while for you to recognize Jesus’ presence with you in a trying time? What sorts of things helped you eventually to recognize him, either in the moment or in hindsight?

3. Jesus turns Peter’s affirmation that he loves Jesus into a command to feed his sheep. What are tangible ways that you show your love for Jesus by caring for his flock?

4. The initial question that Jesus directs to Peter asks him whether he loves him “more than these.” What tend to be the “these” for you? And how do you discern between…