In John 21:2, seven disciples are mentioned, with Peter being listed first. It's not clear from John's message that Peter and the others were abandoning the task Jesus had given them by going fishing. We don't have all the information about what Jesus and the disciples said and did, so we can't assume that their fishing means they've lost faith or are neglecting their calling. It's possible they were waiting for Jesus to send the Spirit in power and went fishing to support themselves and their families until they received new responsibilities. The disciples spent the whole night fishing but did not catch anything. The lack of light in the early morning made it difficult for them to recognize Jesus when they saw him on the shore. Jesus asked them if they had caught anything and then instructed them to catch fish by letting down their nets again. As soon as John told Peter, he quickly prepared and swam towards the shore. The rest of the group then pulled the net to the shore.

Jesus has knowledge of where the fish are and instructs his disciples on how to catch them. The disciples follow his command and successfully catch fish. Upon reaching the shore, they find that Jesus has made arrangements for them, including a charcoal fire similar to the one where Peter denied him in the past. Jesus has also prepared fish and bread for the group and encourages them to bring their catch as well. Jesus invites his disciples to have a meal with him. According to John, the disciples are unsure about Jesus' identity. They believe it is him but do not want to ask to confirm it.

Initially, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him more than the other disciples. This question may seem strange, but it becomes more apparent when we understand the context. Jesus wants Peter to express his love and then instructs him on how to show it: by feeding Jesus' lambs. Jesus is not urging Peter to show off his superior devotion but rather to demonstrate his love by caring for Jesus' followers. If Peter truly loves Jesus, he will ensure His lambs are well-fed. After Peter affirms his love for Jesus, Jesus instructs him to "shepherd my sheep." Jesus then asks Peter the same question again, which makes Peter sad. However, Peter still confesses his love for Jesus, acknowledging that Jesus knows everything. In response, Jesus tells Peter to "feed my sheep," blending elements of Peter's previous answers. Jesus gave Peter the chance to confess his love three times after Peter had denied him thrice. Although it was difficult for Peter, it proved to be a helpful experience for him. By countering his past betrayal with affirmations of love, Peter could rectify his earlier actions. Jesus makes plain to Peter that his love of Jesus is to be exercised in love for the people who belong to Jesus, and Peter's love for him will result in Peter's giving his life for him.

After breakfast, Jesus and Peter went for a walk. During the walk, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. In verse 20, Peter turned around and noticed the beloved disciple following them. Despite his presence, the moment between Jesus and Peter remained intimate. The beloved disciple was a close companion of Jesus and Peter, so neither minded his company during this walk. After prophesying Peter's destiny, Jesus and Peter, who were close, discussed John's future. Peter expressed concern, but Jesus told him not to worry about it. Jesus assured Peter that he was in control of everything, including John's future. By saying this, Jesus freed Peter from anxiety and encouraged him to focus on following him. In verses 23-24, John clarifies a misunderstanding that occurred after Jesus spoke. He explains that Jesus did not promise that John would not die.

John claims that he is the author of the Gospel and that the beloved disciple is the one who testified in it. This statement excludes other hypotheses about the Gospel's authorship. According to John's assertion, he wrote the Gospel while also bearing witness. The Gospel of John ends with a beautiful statement in verse 21:25. John explains that everything Jesus did is too great to be expressed by him, and even the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written if each thing were recorded. The work of Jesus has immeasurable scope and significance.