A Seven-Layer Feast: Discovering the Depth of John 21

John 21:1-14 is a well-made naan bread that one has to dip in a bowl full of well-cooked lamb curry. A seven layered platter with a mixture of lamb, fish, chicken, potatoes, meat steak, carrots and spinach for one to dig in for enjoyment to be precise.

On the surface, we have a very straightforward story, don’t we? Some disciples go out to fish, don’t catch anything through the night, the Great leader (Jesus) shows up, the fishermen or (the ones being led) are told where to find fish, they make an enormous catch and then they eat breakfast on the beach with Jesus. 

For some of you, that probably sounds like an outstanding vacation, to others it sounds like a form of cruel and unusual punishment. But after reading this passage you can’t help but ask yourself, what does all of this mean? What’s the significance here? 

Scripture must be mined. We have to dig beneath the surface, sort of like the Naan bread to dip in well-done curry.

And to keep my seven-layer platter dip metaphor going, when you dig a little deeper, when you get to taste the steak hidden underneath them chicken wings and a scoop of vegetables onto your fried chips, you’ll realize that this passage is reminding us that Jesus (the great leader), will provide for his disciples, take care of them even in moments when they don’t know the way forward and dine with them in difficult situations.

Jesus has also put emphasis to the church that He will be her influence, strength, and power.

It’s true! Jesus will provide for his church. And there are three lessons amongst many I have picked out from this passage: first we see that without Christ we fail. (v 1-3), second, we see success through Christ (vv. 4-8), and lastly, we see the provision of Christ (9-14). 

Now you may read this passage and say, Isaac, you keep talking about the church, but I didn’t read anything about a worship service, committee, business meeting. And of course that’s true. But keep in mind who this passage is dealing with, it’s Jesus ministering to the men who he had called to ultimately build his church. And so, it’s with that in mind, I’m saying that this passage says something to the church.

John chapter 21 acts as a "post-credits scene," offering a glimpse into the future, strengthening thematic resonance, and providing a final, often comforting, perspective after the climax of the events that had happened in the previous scriptures.

What we have here is a transitional period in redemptive history, it’s post resurrection, Jesus has already risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples prior to sending them out to proclaim the gospel. Jesus appeared to them in order to encourage them. 

And one of the primary questions that arises post-resurrection is what will Jesus’ relationship with his disciples be?

Obviously, it’s not the same anymore, but what will it be like moving forward?