Bible Study with the Bishops: One Last Visit

Reading Plan Text for July 3: John 21:1-7

The final chapter of John's Gospel appears to be a later addition, especially since the last two verses of Chapter 20 appear to be a logical conclusion. The footnote in my NRSV points out differences in language and style. It also tells us that the appearances in John 20 all take place near Jerusalem, as they do in Luke 24, while the appearance chapter 21 takes place in Galilee, mirroring Matthew 28 and Mark 16. Burridge adds

Also, it is difficult to fit the story into the sequence of chapter 2o and the early church in Jerusalem. On the other hand, the story recalls many key themes from the gospel and no manuscript is without it. It deals with some 'loose ends' from the gospel, especially about Peter and the beloved disciple and their relationship. So it may be better to see it as an epilogue, balancing the prologue at the start. (p. 236)

As the chapter opens, we have some familiar faces: Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, and Nathanael--remember Nathanael? Then we have two new faces, the sons of Zebedee. They are not given their names, James and John, and this is the first and only time we see them in John's Gospel. There are also two unnamed disciples with them. Later we learn that the Beloved Disciple one of those present on the boat.

Tradition, as both the NRSV footnotes and Burridge tell us, identifies the Beloved Disciple with John son of Zebedee. Maybe, maybe not. Throughout the Gospel, including this "appended" chapter, the Beloved Disciple is identified as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Nor does the writer name either of Zebedee's sons. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? Probably not. What matters is that the Disciples are seeing Jesus again.

During this last visit between Jesus and his Disciples we see familiar patterns. Jesus provides an abundance of food. The Beloved Disciple recognizes what's going on, if not fully understanding. And Peter acts the fool. He gets dressed and then jumps in the water to swim to shore? These familiar faces and their familiar actions are comforting right now. The future is still uncertain, and they know that Jesus will be gone very shortly.

How many of us cling to the familiar in the face of change? The time-worn actions are comforting, even as we realize that we must let them go. Yet change we must, or we stagnate and die--even if we go on living.

One last visit, and then we must go.

Peace,
Jeffri