John 21:12

“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.”

Context:John 21:12 is part of the post-resurrection narrative in the Gospel of John. After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples multiple times to strengthen their faith and commission them for the work ahead.

The Setting:In this particular passage, Jesus has appeared to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee). The disciples had been fishing all night without catching anything until Jesus appeared on the shore.

Jesus’ Invitation:Jesus says to His disciples, “Come and dine.” This invitation serves as an act of grace and fellowship. It demonstrates Jesus’ care for His disciples and His desire to spend time with them. By inviting them to eat, Jesus also provides for their physical needs.

Recognition of the Lord:The verse further explains that none of the disciples dared to ask Jesus, “Who art thou?” They recognised that it was the Lord. This recognition is significant because it shows that even after His resurrection, Jesus had a recognisable presence that His disciples could identify.

Implications:The disciples’ recognition of Jesus as the Lord carries several implications. Firstly, it demonstrates the fulfilment of Jesus’ promises of resurrection and His divine nature. Secondly, it signifies the continuation of the disciples’ relationship with Jesus even after His death. Thirdly, it highlights the trust and faith the disciples had in Jesus, as they did not doubt His identity.

Application:John 21:12 encourages believers to recognise the presence of Jesus in their lives. Just as the disciples recognised Jesus as the Lord, we should seek to discern His presence and work in our daily lives. It reminds us of the intimate fellowship we can have with Christ and the provision He offers to sustain us spiritually and physically.

• Theological themes:This verse emphasises Jesus’ divinity, His care for His disciples, and His desire for fellowship with His followers. It also reveals the disciples’ faith and recognition of Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Overall, John 21:12 reminds us of the personal and intimate relationship Jesus desires to have with His disciples. It encourages us to recognise His presence, seek fellowship with Him, and trust in His provision.