hrist appears to his disciples. (1-14) His discourse with
Peter. (15-19) Christ's declaration concerning John. (20-24) The
conclusion. (25)
Verses 1-14: Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his
ordinances; but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when
employed in their business. It is good for the disciples of
Christ to be together in common conversation, and common
business. The hour for their entering upon action was not come.
They would help to maintain themselves, and not be burdensome to
any. Christ's time of making himself known to his people, is
when they are most at a loss. He knows the temporal wants of his
people, and has promised them not only grace sufficient, but
food convenient. Divine Providence extends itself to things most
minute, and those are happy who acknowledge God in all their
ways. Those who are humble, diligent, and patient, though their
labours may be crossed, shall be crowned; they sometimes live to
see their affairs take a happy turn, after many struggles. And
there is nothing lost by observing Christ's orders; it is
casting the net on the right side of the ship. Jesus manifests
himself to his people by doing that for them which none else can
do, and things which they looked not for. He would take care
that those who left all for him, should not want any good thing.
And latter favours are to bring to mind former favours, that
eaten bread may not be forgotten. He whom Jesus loved was the
first that said, It is the Lord. John had cleaved most closely
to his Master in his sufferings, and knew him soonest. Peter was
the most zealous, and reached Christ the first. How variously
God dispenses his gifts, and what difference there may be
between some believers and others in the way of their honouring
Christ, yet they all may be accepted of him! Others continue in
the ship, drag the net, and bring the fish to shore, and such
persons ought not to be blamed as worldly; for they, in their
places, are as truly serving Christ as the others. The Lord
Jesus had provision ready for them. We need not be curious in
inquiring whence this came; but we may be comforted at Christ's
care for his disciples. Although there were so many, and such
great fishes, yet they lost none, nor damaged their net. The net
of the gospel has enclosed multitudes, yet it is as strong as
ever to bring souls to God.
Verses 15-19: Our Lord addressed Peter by his original name, as if he
had forfeited that of 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 behoves us to inquire with earnest, preserving 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?
Verses 20-24: 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 as to 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, to intermeddle in; we must
quietly work, and mind our own business. Many curious questions
are put about the counsels of God, and the state of the unseen
world, as to which we may say, What is this to us? And if we
attend to the duty of following Christ, we shall find neither
heart nor time to meddle with that which 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 a great measure, its own evidence, and proves itself, for
it is light. See the easy setting right such mistakes by the
word of Christ. Scripture language is the safest channel for
Scripture truth; the words which the Holy Ghost teaches, (1Co
2:13). Those who cannot agree in the same terms of art, and the
application of them, may yet agree in the same Scripture terms,
and to love one another.
Verse 25: 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, ch. (20:31).
hrist appears to his disciples. (1-14) His discourse with
Peter. (15-19) Christ's declaration concerning John. (20-24) The
conclusion. (25)