Subsequently, we see only 7 disciples present in Galilee, and Peter, in wait not knowing when Jesus will reappear again, returns to his other love: "I GO A FISHING."

Do not read over Peter's restored position here, for this is primarily the purpose John devotes this final Chapter almost entirely to his best friend. Let John tell his story. Here is a man clearly changed since seen in Caiaphas' courtyard at his final denial of his then alive Lord. With his sword sheathed, he stood helpless and hurting as they led his Lord away. His possible thoughts on that night causing such frustration that likely led him to his emotional betrayal: "What can I do? One against so many? Ordered not to use my sword, how can I help? What does He expect from me? I wish He would tell me His will! He seems so willing to go; I don't understand. What is happening here? Speak, Lord, that I might act! He's likely going to die if He doesn't do something. But it doesn't appear He will; He is going to die. What's the point, then, if I admit to having been with Him? What purpose would my death serve?" So, he lashes out, "I DON'T KNOW HIM! LEAVE ME ALONE!" And into the night he went, as he wished -- ALONE.

But he found his way back to John and Mary for his first step on his road to recovery! He is now seen in the right place and right position for a personal appearance on Resurrection Day for restoration by the One whom he had denied.

So, here we see him restored to full confidence and his old impetuous self again, as we see his actions influencing others. But this time something is different; he is calm. Before, in the garden, no one followed his call to arms as he drew his sword and smote the servant's ear (no record of the second sword being unsheathed), which normally would provoke a riot. But now they all, without reservation, follow him into the boat. He is once again seen as their leader. Something must have happened from then unto now! That something must have materialized in his meeting with the Master: his fear is gone! John says there is only one thing that can cause this change from fear to boldness: Love. Not just any love, but perfect love. This is the secret to boldness in Christ. Peter learned this lesson in that meeting. After all he had done in his old impetuous life from self-sufficiency and human strength, failing to the point of utter denial, Jesus still loved him! What a sense of total acceptance! Perfect Love! Agape Love. Godly Love. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. To know that no matter what you've done, Christ still loves you -- a sheep in His fold. Though gone astray, He will not loose one! Read Paul's take on this truth Peter learns here. Learn this truth for your own life in today's world! Remember the woman at the well?

Restored to full confidence, not in self, but now in Him, possessing at last perfect love, Peter is ready for commissioning for service in the Lord's Ministry. And, so, it shall come as we see John so beautifully show next in this chapter. Now we see why this friend chose to show a brother being restored: that we might see for ourselves the pattern to follow for our own full confidence and perfect love in service to Him.

If one needs further proof of this bond of Perfect Love and level head Peter now has, you have only to look to vs.7 at his reaction upon learning it was his Lord on the beach. You ask: How do you know of his love? (1) His earlier foot race to the tomb, and (2) His now headlong dive into the water! Next you ask of his level head: His 100 yard swim to shore, rather than another attempt at a walk on the water. This is an important point here, for the keys to the Kingdom will not be turned over to someone so shallow in faith as Peter was before. Then, he stepped from the boat onto the water only at the bidding of Jesus' own voice, but now he dives headlong into the water simply upon the testimony of his forgiving friend. Major difference here, indicating a much deeper faith! He is almost ready now for his first sermon that will loose 3,000 souls from Satan's clutches.

So, they toil the night together, but to no avail. A truth is coming here that should not be missed. As Peter is now seen restored to his place of leadership in fishing for fish, Jesus is about to make it genuinely clear that unless His direction is sought, they will neither catch fish, nor men, as they have been called to do! It should be noted that none knew it was Jesus giving this direction until the fruit of their effort was seen, and it was John, best loved and who most knew His voice, who first recognized Him. Here is the first picture of the future Church's obedience to the direction of the unseen source of the Master's voice. It was Dr. A. Maclaren who once said: "Love has quick eyes and is first to discern" (Scott, p. 585). And it was on John's discernment alone Peter believed for action! His earlier doubt, revealed in his questioning, "Is it you, Lord?" not seen here -- his faith now secure. This passage is so rich, so deep, it calls for all who would glean its truths, like Peter, to dive within! This whole encounter is meant by Jesus to teach many lessons that would later serve them as they fished for men. So, to get you going, here are 2 more:

These are but 2 wonderful lessons seen here. There are many more. Continue with your own thoughts as His Spirit prompts you, listening carefully for others.

"CHILDREN" = paidia, meaning, "boys." So easily seen even in today's fisherman language: "Boys, caught anything for breakfast yet?"

Knowing their answer, Jesus gives precise direction for guaranteed results. This, meant to elicit obedience, for they likely had already cast to that side, but now to act simply upon their faith against all reason of having done so and failed previously.