In this passage, Jesus appears to the fishing disciples, feeding them breakfast, and challenging Peter to affirm his love for Jesus in word and in pastoring Jesus’ flock. Chapter 21 of John’s gospel has often been thought of as an epilogue since the ending of chapter 20 feels so definitive. Chapter 20 ends with, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” This feels like a strong conclusion to the whole gospel! Why then do we get this extra story? One theory is that this chapter was added to comfort the early Christians who were upset that both Peter and John had died before Jesus’ return. That’s why we hear about Peter’s eventual death in this passage. In this theory, the gospel was meant to end at chapter 20, but this “extended edition” is what we have now. 

In any case, the passage starts with the disciples out fishing. This seems odd after they’ve received the Holy Spirit in chapter 20, but some view this fishing as metaphorical. Maybe the disciples are out in the world doing ministry, but without the energy that should come from really believing in the risen Christ. If so, Jesus appears to them to strengthen them in this effort. Jesus kindly prepares breakfast for the disciples and he even helps them to catch tons of fish first. Why do they catch 153 fish, specifically? No one knows for sure, but it might represent John’s idea of how many nations there are in the world. 

After everyone has eaten, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. This reminds us (and probably Peter) that he denied Jesus three times. With each affirmative response, Jesus commands Peter to tend to his flock, essentially charging him with pastoral duty. Jesus prophesies about Peter’s future and his death. It might be odd to us, but this would be comforting to John’s audience because it means Jesus saw something coming that the community has probably recently experienced and mourned over. Finally Jesus commands Peter, and us, to follow him. 

I’ll be honest, readers: I find this story a little odd. It feels somewhat tacked on after the strong ending to the gospel from last week when Jesus confronts Thomas and encourages us in our belief. But I can appreciate that this passage would have been a comfort to John’s community about the fate of Peter and John and the importance of recommitting ourselves to shepherding Jesus’ flock. No matter what happens, Jesus will be with us, cheering us on to do the work he has called us to do for the sake of God’s kingdom.