John 21:15-19

Jesus Restores Peter (John 21:15).

Jesus had previously ‘appeared to Peter' privately (1 Corinthians 15:5; Luke 24:34), no doubt in order to assure him that he was forgiven. But this was now a public restoration in front of the others. He was destined to be a leader and it was important that he be seen to bear Jesus' stamp of approval.

That it was a restoration comes out in three ways.

1). There was a fire of coals similar to that beside which Peter had denied Him (John 18:18).

2). He asked Peter three times whether he loved Him, cancelling out the three denials that Peter had made (John 18:17; John 18:25; John 18:27).

3). The catch of fish confirmed that he would yet be a fisher of men.

Such was Christ's love and concern for His failing disciple.