Matthew Henry Commentary John 21

Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his ordinances; but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when they are engaged in their work. It is good for the disciples of Christ to be together in ordinary conversation and common tasks. The time for them to begin their main work had not yet arrived. They would help to support themselves and not be a burden to anyone.

Christ's time of making himself known to his people is when they are most at a loss. He knows the temporal needs of his people and has promised them not only sufficient grace but also food convenient. Divine Providence extends to the smallest matters, and blessed are those who acknowledge God in all their ways. Those who are humble, diligent, and patient, though their efforts may be thwarted, will be crowned; they sometimes live to see their affairs take a favorable turn after many struggles.

And nothing is lost by obeying Christ's commands; it is like casting the net on the right side of the boat. Jesus reveals himself to his people by doing for them what no one else can do, and things they did not expect. He would ensure that those who left everything for him should not want any good thing. And later blessings should bring to mind former blessings, so that bread already eaten may not be forgotten.

He whom Jesus loved was the first to say, It is the Lord. John had clung most closely to his Master in his sufferings and recognized him quickest. Peter was the most zealous and reached Christ first. How differently God distributes his gifts, and what differences there may be between some believers and others in the way they honor Christ, yet all may be accepted by him! Others continue in the boat, drag the net, and bring the fish to shore; such people should not be blamed as worldly, for in their roles, they are serving Christ as truly as the others.

The Lord Jesus had provisions ready for them. We do not need to be overly curious in asking from where this came; but we can be comforted by Christ's care for his disciples. Although there were so many, and such large fish, they lost none, nor did they damage their net. The net of the gospel has enclosed multitudes, yet it is as strong as ever to bring souls to God.

Our Lord addressed Peter by his original name, as if he had forfeited the name Peter through his denying him. He now answered, Thou knowest that I love thee; but without professing to love Jesus more than others. We must not be surprised to have our sincerity called into question when we ourselves have done that which makes it doubtful.

Every remembrance of past sins, even pardoned sins, renews the sorrow of a true penitent. Conscious of integrity, Peter solemnly appealed to Christ, as knowing all things, even the secrets of his heart. It is well when our falls and mistakes make us more humble and watchful. The sincerity of our love to God must be brought to the test; and it is fitting for us to inquire with earnest, persevering prayer to the heart-searching God, to examine and prove us, whether we are able to stand this test. No one can be qualified to feed the sheep and lambs of Christ who does not love the good Shepherd more than any earthly advantage or object.

It is the great concern of every good man, whatever death he dies, to glorify God in it; for what is our chief end but this, to die to the Lord, at the word of the Lord?

Sufferings, pains, and death will appear formidable even to the experienced Christian; but in the hope to glorify God, to leave a sinful world, and to be present with his Lord, he becomes ready to obey the Redeemer's call and to follow Him through death to glory. It is the will of Christ that his disciples should mind their own duty and not be curious about future events, either regarding themselves or others. Many things we are apt to be anxious about, which are nothing to us.

Other people's affairs are nothing to us, and not for us to meddle in; we must quietly work and mind our own business. Many curious questions are asked about the counsels of God and the state of the unseen world, regarding which we may say, "What is this to us?" And if we attend to the duty of following Christ, we will find neither heart nor time to meddle with what does not belong to us.

How little are any unwritten traditions to be relied upon! Let the Scripture be its own interpreter and explain itself; as it is, in large measure, its own evidence and proves itself, for it is light. See how easily such mistakes are set right by the word of Christ. Scripture language is the safest channel for Scripture truth; the words which the Holy Ghost teaches (1 Corinthians 2:13). Those who cannot agree on the same terms of art and their application may yet agree on the same Scripture terms and to love one another.

Only a small part of the actions of Jesus had been written. But let us bless God for all that is in the Scriptures, and be thankful that there is so much in so small a space. Enough is recorded to direct our faith and regulate our practice; more would have been unnecessary.

Much of what is written is overlooked, much forgotten, and much made the matter of doubtful disputes. We may, however, look forward to the joy we shall receive in heaven, from a more complete knowledge of all Jesus did and said, as well as of the conduct of his providence and grace in his dealings with each of us. May this be our happiness.

These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31).