A Tour Through John, Lesson 34

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/tour-john-lesson-34/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>As noted in the last message, it is possible that the Gospel of John concluded with chapter 20, and that chapter 21 is an addition, either by the original author or by someone later on.</p><ul><li>20:30-31 seems a natural conclusion, and perhaps a better conclusion than 21:25.</li><li>The miraculous catch related here seems to be another "sign," whereas 20:30 gives the impression that no more would be related.</li><li>This isn't to say these events didn't happen, only that their inclusion here may have taken place after the first version (or draft) of the gospel.</li><li>Whatever the case, no point of theology is affected.</li></ul><p>21 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.</p><ul><li>In this chapter is one additional appearance of Jesus.</li><li>Seven disciples are together (v.2), and Peter suggests a night of fishing.<ul><li>In no way does this mean that Peter was going back to his old life, and nothing in the text suggests it. Peter has seen the risen Lord, and is not about to make the same mistake he made the night before his crucifixion.</li><li>So why are they fishing? Even apostles must eat!</li><li>And yet the outing has been fruitless. (Or fish less.)<ul><li>Notice the connection with darkness (night), unproductively, and Jesus' absence.</li><li>With daylight and his presence, the disciples are abundantly effective.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul><p>4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.