John 21:1-15
New Catholic Bible
Epilogue
Chapter 21
Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples.[a] 1 Some time later, Jesus once again revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, in the following manner. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were gathered together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going out to fish.” The others replied, “We will go with you.” They set off and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Shortly after daybreak, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus called out, “Children, have you caught anything?” When they answered, “No,” 6 he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” They did so, and they were unable to haul the net on board because of the great number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard him say that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, only about one hundred yards.
9 When they came ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter went on board and dragged the net ashore, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
12 Jesus then said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came forward, took the bread, and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after his resurrection from the dead.
15 Jesus and Peter.[b] When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- John 21:1 This miraculous catch is the final “sign” given by Jesus. He does not reveal himself; he remains mysterious, but the true disciple is able to recognize him (see Jn 21:20).
- John 21:15 In this touching dialogue, Christ makes Peter a sign of his own perennial presence with his followers as their Good Shepherd (see ch. 10). Catholic tradition has seen in this passage the fulfillment of the promise made at Caesarea Philippi: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 16:17-19; see also Lk 22:31-32). The First Vatican Council made reference to vv. 15-17 in its definition that Jesus appointed Peter supreme shepherd and ruler over the whole flock.
