Chapter 9: The Beach

Peter went back to the water he knew. He told the others he was going fishing. Six of them went with him. They fished all night and caught nothing.

At dawn a figure stood on the shore and called out to them.

JESUS“Children, have you any food?”— John 21:5

They said no. He told them to throw the net on the right side of the boat. They did. The net filled immediately with one hundred and fifty three fish, so heavy they could not haul it in.

John recognized Him first.

JOHN“It is the Lord.”— John 21:7

Peter jumped into the water and swam to shore. When they all came ashore, there was a charcoal fire burning with fish on it and bread beside it. Jesus served them breakfast. The moment was so weighty that no one asked who He was. They all knew.

When breakfast was finished, Jesus turned to Peter and asked him whether he loved Him more than the other disciples did.

JESUS“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”— John 21:15

PETER“Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”— John 21:15

JESUS“Feed My lambs.”— John 21:15

A second time Jesus asked. A second time Peter answered with the only word he was sure of. A second time Jesus recommissioned him.

Then a third time.

JESUS“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”— John 21:17

Three questions. The same number as the denials. Peter understood exactly what Jesus was doing, and it broke him open.

PETER“Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”— John 21:17

JESUS“Feed My sheep.”— John 21:17