Epilogue

If the gospel of John were a movie script (and what a great one it would be), the plot has reached its climax in the previous chapter with Jesus appearing to Mary and the disciples. Now in chapter 21 the movie ends with an epilogue.

There’s a subplot that needs a conclusion, and it’s the story of Peter and his relationship with Jesus that’s been strained by his spiritual pride and insecurity. Remember Peter’s declaration? “‘Even if all fall away, I will not.’ And Jesus’ answer, ‘I tell you the truth, today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.’” (Mark 14:28-30)

Peter wanted to outdo the other disciples and it had caused him to hit a brick wall. If he had simply admitted to himself that he was a half-hearted coward like the others, he would have been fine. Jesus always knew Peter’s lack, and he was fine with that, because the relationship didn’t depend on Peter’s love and devotion, but on Jesus’ generosity.

Peter had a character flaw that until this time was evident to most, but not known to him. He still didn’t get what the kingdom of God was about. He had even tried to educate Jesus on how to have a successful ministry, which earned a swift rebuke, “You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:23)

Peter’s faith had been in his faith instead of in Jesus, and he had always thought of himself as a leader because he tried harder than the rest to be valuable to Jesus’ mission. But he was found wanting that fateful Friday morning when the rooster crowed. But Jesus was never looking for someone special, just someone who simply lived loved.

So when Jesus showed up with breakfast on the shore that foggy morning, Peter’s heart was the intended target of Jesus’ healing.

“Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

The same question asked three times pierced Peter’s heart like a dagger, exposing Peter’s weak devotion, but Jesus blew on that dying ember and fanned it in to flame. “A smoldering wick he will not snuff out…” (Matthew 12:20) And instead of a reprimand, Jesus gives him his mission in life, “Feed my sheep”, and repeats it three times to drive it home.

Jesus was simply teaching Peter what he wants all of us to know, that he’s not looking for great people, but for people who know enough to follow the One who’s great. He wants ordinary people with whom he can do extraordinary things. Impressive people are just a distraction.

And when it couldn’t get any better for Peter, Jesus puts the icing on the cake and promises him he will die a martyr. A promise? It meant that he will finally be the fearless leader he had always wanted to be, but not through willpower this time, but through the transforming power of Jesus’ love.

And what a leader he turned out to be! Not authoritarian, but with humility, as evidenced by his advice given decades later, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, …eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1Peter 5:2,3) These aren’t words coming from someone wanting to be somebody.

But in the meantime, with Jesus and Peter walking on the beach, there’s Peter’s competitor since fishing days and his main source of irritation, “the beloved”, the author of this gospel, walking behind them and eavesdropping.

So Peter turns around and says, “So what about him? Is he going to be a martyr, too?” Jesus smiles and says, “What is that to you? Just follow me.”

That’s the message of Christ to us and to all, and for all time. “Just follow me.” It really is just that simple.

This concludes my comments on John’s gospel. I want to thank you for reading my posts. I hope you’ve found them encouraging. I’ll be taking a break from writing for a while, but if you want to be notified of any future posts, simply subscribe to this blog.

Shalom.

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