What is the meaning of John 21:5? So He called out to them • Jesus is the One initiating contact, just as He first loved us (1 John 4:19). • His voice breaks the pre-dawn stillness, reminding us that the Shepherd always seeks His flock (John 10:27; Ezekiel 34:11). • The moment recalls an earlier lakeside encounter where He also called the disciples from their boat (Luke 5:4–6), showing His consistent care and purpose. “Children,” • The term is tender, familial, and authoritative—much like a parent guiding a household (1 John 2:1). • Jesus speaks to grown men yet addresses them as dependent sons, underscoring their need for Him (John 15:5). • By using a family term rather than “friends” or “servants,” He signals ongoing relationship even after their recent failure and His crucifixion (John 20:19). “do you have any fish?” • The question is rhetorical for the all-knowing Christ (John 2:24-25), but it invites the disciples to admit their emptiness. • It exposes the futility of self-reliance; an entire night’s labor produced nothing (Psalm 127:1). • This sets the stage for a miracle, illustrating that genuine fruitfulness comes only through obedience to Him (John 21:6; cf. Luke 5:6). “No,” they answered • Their one-word reply is honest and humble, free of excuses. God honors such transparency (Psalm 51:17; Proverbs 28:13). • The admission prepares them for Jesus’ provision, just as confession precedes cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Their empty nets mirror every human heart apart from Christ—void until He fills (Ephesians 2:12-13). summary John 21:5 shows Jesus initiating, addressing, probing, and preparing. He lovingly calls His disciples “Children,” exposes their lack with a simple question, and receives their candid “No” so He can supply abundance. The verse invites believers to hear His voice, confess our insufficiency, and trust His gracious provision. |
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