Compare Peter's actions in John 21:3 with his earlier faith in Matthew 14:29. Setting the Scene • Matthew 14 occurs during Christ’s Galilean ministry, months before the crucifixion. • John 21 unfolds after the resurrection, with the disciples waiting in Galilee for further instruction (Matthew 28:7,10). Peter Steps Out in Faith (Matthew 14:29) • “And He said, ‘Come.’ Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.” • Immediate, wholehearted response to a single word from Christ. • Willingness to abandon the known security of the boat. • Focused trust: eyes fixed on Jesus until fear momentarily intrudes (vv. 30-31). • Outcome: supernatural success—Peter actually walks on water, demonstrating Spirit-enabled obedience. Peter Returns to Familiar Nets (John 21:3) • “Simon Peter told them, ‘I’m going fishing.’ ‘We will go with you,’ they said. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” • Initiative again comes from Peter, but this time it is self-directed. • Choice of occupation: back to the old life of fishing (Luke 5:10-11). • Absence of explicit instruction from Jesus; silence often breeds impatience. • Outcome: natural effort produces emptiness—“they caught nothing.” Key Contrasts • Direction – Matthew 14: from Jesus (“Come”) – John 21: from Peter (“I’m going fishing”) • Environment – Matthew: stormy sea, yet Peter leaves safety for Christ. – John: calm routine, yet Peter leaves calling for comfort. • Result – Matthew: miraculous progress. – John: fruitless toil. • Focus – Matthew: Christ-centered courage. – John: self-initiated activity, tinged with uncertainty. • Companions – Matthew: Peter alone steps out. – John: others follow Peter’s lead; leadership still evident, though direction is lacking. Why the Change? • Recent Failure: Peter’s triple denial (Luke 22:54-62) weighed heavily; shame can nudge a believer toward familiar ground. • Unsettled Future: Though Jesus was risen, the Spirit had not yet come at Pentecost (Acts 2); clarity of mission awaited. • Testing Period: Christ often allows a season of waiting (Acts 1:4), revealing the bankruptcy of self-reliance (“apart from Me you can do nothing,” John 15:5). Grace in Both Episodes • In Matthew, Jesus immediately rescues the sinking disciple (14:31). • In John, Jesus stands on the shore, fills their nets, and restores Peter publicly (21:6,15-17). • The Savior’s presence transforms failure into deeper fellowship in both scenes. Lessons for Today • Obedience to Christ’s voice leads to supernatural fruitfulness; self-directed labor leaves nets empty. • Past failure need not define future service—Christ’s restoration follows honest confession (1 John 1:9). • Leadership carries influence; when we drift, others may follow. • Waiting seasons test our hearts; they are invitations to renewed dependence rather than retreat into old habits. |
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