1 After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.”

They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. 4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?”

They answered him, “No.”

6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”

So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn.

12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.”

None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.

John 21:1-14 - World English Bible

In the context of John's gospel, chapter 21 appeared to be an addition. When it is compared to fishing scenes from the Synoptics, it acted as a return to the roots of the original disciples. Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John and two unnamed followers (a total of seven) went fishing on the Sea of Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee, renamed in honor of the emperor). The named disciples were present at the beginning of Jesus ministry in John's gospel (John 1:35, 40-42, 45-49), doing what they did when the Lord called them in the Synoptics (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11). Yet, the encounter scene reversed the place many had with Jesus; he taught from a boat just off shore to accommodate the crowds (Mark 3:9, 4:1, Luke 5:3, Matthew 13:2). Here, he stood on shore, called to the men in the boat, and instructed them to cast their nets over the side for a catch (Luke 5:4-7). They caught 153 fish (St. Jerome held this was the total number of fish species in the world, signifying that people from every nation would be evangelized). After the miracle of the catch, they recognized the Lord, reminiscent of their realization at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1). On shore, the scene shifted to a breakfast of fish and bread, echoing the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:31-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:5-15). As the reader can see, this scene drew together many themes from both Synoptic and Johannine traditions: the Lord's call, evangelization (represented by the miraculous catch) and fellowship in the meal (with a strong Eucharistic overtone). So, John 21 was a fitting end to this gospel.

How do the themes in John 21 resonate in your life?