Third Sunday of Easter 2025

John 20:1- 19

Rev. Neli Miranda

Last Sunday we heard the powerful conclusion of John the Evangelist’s Gospel, a testimony of the Risen Jesus’ manifestation to Mary Magdalene and those disciples who, though initially hidden in fear, were ultimately sent on the mission of reconciling and restoring the broken world. John, in bringing his Gospel to a close, declares, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (20:30-31). 

Today we find that there is a Chapter 21, which appears to be a deliberate addition by the Johannine community to John’s account. This chapter preserves treasured memories of the early Christian community and highlights the roles of key figures within it. More importantly, it reaffirms the active and continuing presence of the Risen Jesus in the midst of his community. Furthermore, it testifies to the restoration and renewed commission of those, like Peter and a group of disciples who had lost Jesus’ way and his mission.

Do you remember Peter’s three denials during Jesus’ trial? Well, this passage tells us about the reconciliation between Jesus and Peter, a restoration of their broken relationship. The narrative addresses this as Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him.  In this passage, Peter leading a group of disciples, have returned to Galilee to their old lives as fishermen on the lake.  His declaration, “I am going fishing,” is met with the others’ response, “We will go with you.” However, as they went fishing that night, “they caught nothing” (21,3).  Peter’s decision to return to fishing with a fragmented community, seemingly without consulting Jesus, leads to failure. This serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining connected to Jesus’ mission.

In the midst of their disappointment, as dawn breaks over the lake, the Risen Jesus comes to them; yet, their eyes are veiled, and they do not immediately recognize him. With a tender, fatherly tone, Jesus inquires, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” (21,5). With their failed catch, they have nothing. In light of their failure, Jesus now leads the mission, instructing them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some” (21,6). Jesus’ leadership leads them to a successful catch of many fish; the divine direction transforms their fruitless efforts into abundance.  

It is in the light of the successful fishing that the beloved disciple, John himself, recognizes Jesus and exclaims to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (21,7).  Immediately, the ever-impulsive Peter jumps into the sea to be the first to reach Jesus. Meanwhile, the other disciples follow in the boat, laboring together to bring the net now overflowing with fish. Even in this moment, Peter’s action reveals his ongoing struggle to understand that Jesus’ mission is a community effort, not an individual one.

Jesus awaits them on the shore, where he has prepared a charcoal fire and is cooking breakfast for them. When they get to the shore, Jesus invites them to “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught” (21,10). Peter then hauls the net ashore, filled with 153 large fish. This detail emphasizes the abundant success that comes from following Jesus’ direction, while also subtly questioning whether Peter fully understands the communal nature of their mission. He continues to do everything by himself… Jesus’ mission is a collective effort.

After breakfast, it is finally time for Peter to engage in a conversation with Jesus. Jesus guides Peter toward a deeper understanding of his calling. In his grace, Jesus does not blame or shame Peter; and rather than demanding repentance, Jesus asks him three times, “Peter, do you love me?”  This is not merely a reminder of Peter’s threefold denial, but an invitation to comprehend the full meaning of loving Jesus—understanding that entails embracing his mission in the world. This mission, as Jesus reveals, centers on tenderly caring for his flock: both the “lambs”—representing the vulnerable, the marginalized—and the “sheep”—the established members of the community, those who need guidance and protection.

The dialogue between Jesus and Peter reveals Peter’s initial struggle to fully comprehend agape love—the unconditional, self-sacrificing love that Jesus embodies. Yet, Jesus knows that Peter will ultimately come to embrace this agape love and that he will, in the end, give his life, sacrificed by the Roman Empire in service to Jesus’ mission. It is only upon the third question that Peter, humbled and perhaps finally grasping the depth of Jesus’ love and the commitment it demands, humbly replies, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” (21,17).

Dear sisters and brothers, as we reflect on these transformative encounters with the Risen Jesus among his disciples, let us consider the roles we ourselves embody within these resurrection accounts. Do we identify with the group of women who rose early, seeking Jesus with unwavering devotion? Are we among the fearful disciples who remained hidden? Do we identify with those who struggled with doubt? Are we like the one who denied Jesus, or perhaps the beloved disciple who recognized him? Perhaps we embody aspects of each of them. Yet, we understand that the Risen Jesus reveals himself to all, even to those who have stumbled and denied him, extending grace and inviting them to participate in his mission. We, too, have that opportunity today! Let us set aside our individual efforts and join the great community of disciples who love Jesus and fulfill his mission in the world.

May this Easter season bring us renewed encounters with the Risen Jesus. May we be open to learning more deeply from his love and mission. And may we actively carry out Jesus’ mission in our world, caring for the vulnerable—the little ones—and strengthening the sheep, the community of believers. Amen.