Chapter 21 functions as an epilogue to John’s Gospel. It is a kind of lens through which the message of the Gospel is applied to the church as she continues on participating in the mission of God. In the first section John recounts an episode in which Jesus appeared to seven of the disciples as they went about their vocation as fishermen. But as we see so often in the Scriptures the historical facts of this account hover above a depth of greater meaning. “It is of great importance that the magnificent imagery of the epilogue not detract the reader from grasping its functional significance for directing the application of the Gospel” (Klink, 890).

The miraculous catch of fish, the number of which John studiously records at 153, is as symbolic as it was surprising for Peter and the others. Whether the number itself is symbolic or not has been debated for 2,000 years. John may have recorded the number for no other reason than it was worth noting the abundant nature of the catch. The most significant fact is that the catch was ultimately the Lord’s doing and the number exceeded anything those fishing would have anticipated. This is meant to encourage the church who will take up the mission of fishing for men.

Though Jesus will be soon departing to the Father, his presence with and work through the disciples will not come to an end. He will champion their labors and bring about a great catch beyond what they can imagine. This same symbolism is to be applied to the church who is called into the world, filled with the presence of Christ, and empowered by the Spirit of Christ. “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you’” (20:21).