“This account illustrates the principle that we should never be afraid to change our method, as long as it is at the direction of Jesus.”

— David Guzik

“Shewed” means “showed” in case you needed to Google it like me. Jesus was showing—or revealing—Himself to His disciples. This is an encouragement to me because Jesus was forever willing to be known. He desires for His children to know Him, to follow Him, and to be like Him.
Peter decided he’d go fishing. It’s what he knew, after all. When Jesus originally called Peter to be a disciple by saying, “Follow me. I will make you fish for men” (Matthew 4:19), he was putting a net into the sea. Peter was a fisherman by trade and oftentimes when we’ve lost something, we go back to what we know. Be sure you “know” the right things, friends.
This section of scripture is beautiful. When I read the words, it oozes with the love of Christ. Downcast disciples were fishing and coming up empty-handed. Yet, the unrecognized Jesus was present in a commonplace and spoke to them. He instructed them to do the opposite of what they were doing (“Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.”).
When “that disciple whom Jesus loved” [aka: John] said to Peter that it was the Lord, Peter left everything and threw himself into the sea. That certainly speaks of a heart that is desperate for God. Lord, may we gird up and run to you!
This wasn’t Peter’s first time seeing Jesus after the resurrection (see Luke 24:34). While John was first in the recognition of Jesus, Peter was first in the devotion or response to Jesus. We need both.

Jesus had breakfast already underway. He’s prepared ahead of time and He’s ready to feed His sheep as a humble servant. There’s something intimate and life-giving about gathering around a table or a fire and spending time with other believers. Jesus knows this, and it’s why He’s preparing the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19).
We get to eavesdrop on a scene between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asks Peter (in front of other disciples) whether he loves Him more than the other disciples (because this was his claim in Matthew 26:33). In the original Greek, Jesus uses the word “agape” for “love”—which denotes an unselfish love. The first two times—while Jesus uses the word “agape”—Peter responds using the word “philio” to describe his love, which is more of reciprocal or friendly love. It’s debated among commentators whether or not this meant something, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

Jesus’ point about feeding His sheep was to underscore that love must be an action. I would encourage you to carve out time to read 1 John and look for all the “love” references he makes. Without love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13)!
Of course, by the third time Jesus asked Peter about his love for Him, Peter was grieved because it was a square-faced reminder of his thrice denial. Intentionally, Jesus restored Peter in the presence of the other disciples. Jesus prodded Peter to face his failure and then revealed to him the assurance of the work ahead.
In finality, Jesus explained to Peter that the cross he had once avoided by denying Christ would be where he would die. However, this go-around, it would be embraced. Even in death, we can glorify God.
“Follow me.” Two powerful words many never come to truly know. Where do we follow Him? To the cross, beloved. The Apostle Paul implores us to “die daily” (1 Corinthians 15) to the carnalities of this world.
The conclusion of John’s gospel provides a testimony of truth. As we talked about last week, the purpose of this fourth gospel was to believe. And, that same belief is the one you are called to carry forward, too. Follow Him.

“I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. ”