John 21:1–19
The Third Sunday of Easter, Year C
Breakfast on the Shore
John 21:1–19
Opening Reflection
Sometimes resurrection doesn’t look like fireworks.
Sometimes it looks like fishing. Failing. Trying again.
Sometimes it smells like charcoal and tastes like breakfast.
After all the drama of death and resurrection, the disciples don’t know what to do next. So they go back to what’s familiar: fishing. But even there, they come up empty, until Jesus shows up.
This story is for anyone who’s ever wondered what happens after the big moments of faith. It’s for those who feel like they’re drifting, unsure, weary.
Resurrection meets us not just in the miracles, but in the ordinary, stubborn rhythms of our lives. And sometimes, love calls us not to succeed, but simply to feed and tend and trust again.
Context
This is the third appearance of Jesus to his disciples after the resurrection, according to John’s Gospel.
The setting is Galilee, far from the tomb, back to where the journey first began.
Literary Setting: John’s Gospel closes not with a crescendo but with an intimate story: a meal, a conversation, a recommissioning.
Historical Setting: Fishing was the disciples’ old life. Returning to it may reflect uncertainty about what resurrection meant for them. The charcoal fire also echoes Peter’s denial (John 18:18)—a detail John uses purposefully.
Theological Frame: This passage is about restoration and calling. Jesus doesn’t shame Peter for his failures; he feeds him, then invites him back into love’s work: “Feed my sheep.”
Read the Passage
John 21:1–19 NLT
1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened.
2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was.
5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied.
6 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.
7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.
8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.
9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said.
11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.
13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.
14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
Key Insights
Resurrection Meets Us in the Ordinary - Jesus shows up not just in worship services or mountain-top moments, but in boats, on beaches, around breakfast tables.
Grace Rebuilds Trust, Not Shame - Peter, who denied Jesus three times, is not scolded. Instead, he is gently invited three times to reaffirm love, and is given work to do.
Calling Is Always Rooted in Love - Before Jesus says “Feed my sheep,” he asks, “Do you love me?” Ministry, mission, healing—it all flows from relationship first.
Guiding Question
Where in your ordinary life might the Risen Christ be quietly waiting for you on the shore?
Reflections & Resources
Working Preacher commentary on John 21:1-19
Interrupting the Silence commentary on John 21:1-19