Gospel Outreach International

How can we truly recognise Christ’s presence in our daily lives? This Bible study on John 21 explores the final chapter of John’s Gospel, addressing this vital question through the account of Jesus’s appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. The study reveals the physical reality of the resurrection, the security of believers in Christ, and the personal calling each Christian must answer. Through examining the miraculous catch of fish, the breakfast on the shore, and Jesus’s restoration of Peter, we discover profound truths about obedience, fellowship, and following Christ regardless of circumstances or the actions of others.

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. John 21:1

• John 21 is the final chapter of John’s Gospel, though John also wrote three letters and Revelation
• The study follows a pattern of “seven F’s”: fishing trip, fried food, full recognition, fellowship around a meal, final challenge, forget others, and follow me
• The disciples were obedient to Jesus’s instruction to meet Him in Galilee, placing them in the right location for this encounter
• Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, a practice still followed by British fishermen today
• The exact count of 153 fish has been interpreted in various ways, including representing the fullness of Gentiles and Jews, or all types of fish in the Sea of Galilee
• The unbroken net symbolizes that all believers are one in Christ and eternally secure in their salvation
• Jesus prepared breakfast for the disciples, demonstrating the physical reality of His resurrection
• The disciples initially didn’t recognise Jesus in the dawn light, but once they did, everything changed
• Peter put on his outer garment before greeting Jesus, following Jewish custom for spiritual acts
• God knows everything about our circumstances and works alongside us as co-workers
• Fellowship involves intimate intermingling and relationship-building among believers, not just attending services
• Jesus challenged Peter three times because Peter had denied Him three times
• Believers must focus on their own calling from God rather than comparing themselves to others
• Each person is accountable to God for their obedience to His calling, regardless of church support or others’ opinions
• Following Christ must be a personal commitment, even if no one else joins us

This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. John 21:14

What really stands out in this study is how Jesus showed up for His disciples in such a practical, physical way. He didn’t just appear as some ghostly figure—He built a fire, cooked breakfast, and shared a meal with them. That’s our Jesus! He’s not some distant deity who’s disconnected from our everyday struggles and needs. He met the disciples right where they were, after a long night of fruitless fishing, and He provided for them abundantly. The study reminds us that Jesus physically rose from the dead, and one day we’ll have physical resurrection bodies too. But more than that, it challenges us to recognise His presence in our daily lives and to follow Him wholeheartedly, no matter what anyone else does. Jesus called each disciple individually, and He calls each of us today—not to follow a personality or a program, but to follow Him and make Him visible in our lives. That’s the beauty of our Savior—He’s always present, always working with us, and always calling us into deeper relationship with Him.

Bible References

• John 21:
• John 21:4-6
• Matthew 26