That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. John 21:7
From John 21:7 we learn why the Lord had John accompany Peter on his “farewell tour”. When we walk in the flesh we can become dull
of hearing. The Lord may ne speaking and we don’t even recognize it. The writer of Hebrews tells us of Peter’s condition. “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.” (How many times are we told to “hear”!)
After the great catch of fish, the light goes on in the mind of
John. He recognizes who is at work – it is the Lord!.
That disciple whom Jesus loved The Apostle John could not
get over the fact that Jesus could love him. Neither should we.
Therefore The great catch of fish triggered a memory in John’s
mind. Perhaps he went back to this very location three years ago when the Lord called him, James, Andrew and Peter to follow him. Perhaps he remembered the events and words of the Lord that
day. “And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.“
Did John look at the fish and remember what the Lord called them from and what He called them to? This is what the Lord tells
us in Revelation 2:5. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen.”
Said to Peter The Lord guides John’s behavior. He could have turned to any of the disciples but the Holy Spirit was working in Peter so John turns to him with his great discovery.
“It is the Lord!” There is no doubt in John’s mind. Joh uses the Greek word Kurios. It acknowledges the Lord’s authority, exactly what Peter ignored. The title recognizes the Lord’s divine nature and authority as the Son of God In other words, John’s description reinstates Jesus where He belongs – on the throne of all creation and in each disciple’s life but especially his.
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord John gloried in the fact that Jesus could love him but Peter just loved the Lord. Like the prodigal son,, he was willing to be a slave as long as he could be with Jesus. When he hears that Jesus has come his heart overflows with joy. He suddenly recognizes what he has been lacking – he must get close to His Lord
He put on his outer garment We see the actions of Adam and Eve who wanted to clothe themselves after their sin.
For he was stripped for work The word “naked” can mean he was ill-clad to meet the Lord. That is why we will be given robes of white linen – righteousness . In our own flesh we have no right to stand before him.
And threw himself into the sea Like the prodigal son when Peter recognizes the depravity of where he is and the goodness of the Lord there is nothing that can stop him from getting to Jesus. His situation is urgent and his desire to get to Jesus is immediate – no matter the cost.
What can we learn? If you are separated from the Lord and you recognize He is calling to you, don’t delay – there is nothing more important than to be close to Jesus.