“Seek, Serve, and Follow Christ” – Reflection on John 21
John 21 holds a special place in my heart. It beautifully reveals how Jesus cherishes His beloved – how He cares for, provides for, and faithfully leads us, even in our weakest moments.
- Jesus seeks us in our failure
After a night of fruitless fishing, the disciples felt weary and defeated. Yet at dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, calling out to them: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat” (John 21:6). When they obeyed, their nets overflowed.
- He meets us in our frustration.
- He guides us when we’re lost.
- He turns our emptiness into abundance.
- Jesus serves us in love
When the disciples reached the shore, they found Jesus had already prepared breakfast – fish roasting over a fire, bread waiting, and His presence filling the air. The risen Lord of all knelt to serve them (John 21:9-13).
- He nourishes us physically and spiritually.
- His love is unconditional – no matter how we’ve failed.
- He initiates grace, even when we don’t deserve it.
- Jesus restores and calls us
Three times, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). Each question mirrored Peter’s earlier denials – not to condemn, but to redeem. Then He commissioned him: “Feed My sheep… Follow Me” (John 21:19).
- He knows our hearts yet calls us anyway.
- He transforms our shame into purpose.
- His command is simple: “Follow Me.”
A Prayer of Response
Lord, thank You for seeking me when I was lost.
Thank You for serving me when I was weary.
Thank You for leading me – what a joy to follow You!
When doubts whisper, “You’re not enough,” remember:
- His love never changes – Romans 8:38-39 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - His strength covers our weakness– 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. - His plans for us are good– Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Let’s fix our eyes on Him – the One who seeks, serves, and invites us to follow.
Nancy Shaw
IVP Asia Fellowship
