Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. (John 21:7)
Pastor Yoon Ji-eun has successfully undergone the intravenous surgery, but the arterial surgery is still pending. Since a significant amount of contrast agent and anesthesia was used, the arterial procedure will be postponed for two to three months. This journey is proving to be longer than anticipated, so she continues to need our steadfast prayers.
Reflection on Today's Scripture
Today's passage is unique to the Gospel of John. After Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples return to their familiar routines and go fishing. Having caught nothing throughout the night, they hear Jesus instruct them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Following His command, they catch precisely 153 fish. Interestingly, this biblical reference inspired the naming of Korea's "Monami 153 ballpoint pen."
When Peter realizes that the figure on the shore is the risen Lord, he immediately jumps into the water and swims toward Jesus—a scene recorded exclusively in John's Gospel. Peter, too impatient to wait for the boat to reach shore, impulsively leaps into the water, desperate to meet the resurrected Christ.
Before experiencing the resurrection, the disciples were demoralized and had retreated to their former occupations. However, after encountering the risen Christ, they were transformed once again into passionate messengers of the Gospel.
Peter's decision to jump into the water reveals complex emotions. It reflects both the shame of having denied Jesus three times and the overwhelming desire to reunite with his Lord. His reaction isn't merely impulsive; in that moment, he is flooded with regret and embarrassment, yet still chooses to rush toward Jesus rather than away from Him.
The Gospel of John portrays Peter's flaws with honesty. Yet through Peter's shortcomings, the church learns a profound lesson: if one repents and returns, complete restoration is possible. Peter made mistakes, and even the disciples initially retreated to their former lives.
John's Gospel frequently references "the disciple whom Jesus loved." While some identify this figure as John himself, the narrative presents this person as a third-person narrator—someone who guides the story and directs our attention to its essential truths. The Gospel seems to invite us to see ourselves in this beloved disciple, suggesting that we, too, are those whom Jesus deeply loves.
As we journey through Lent, John's Gospel invites us to walk alongside Jesus, witnessing His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection as His beloved disciples. If we fully embrace this sacred season each year, we will find ourselves stepping forward onto the new path that God has prepared specifically for us.
Meditation
We are all the beloved disciples of Jesus.
Intercessory Prayer
This Sunday, we have small group meetings. Please pray that each group will be led with wisdom and grace.
Please pray for the church school, youth and young adult ministries, and their leaders.
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