In Light of the Gospel

I have always found John 21 interesting, but there is a connection between Peter and Jonah that I had not previously considered (until another Peter blogged about it). Peter denies Jesus and the calling to follow him, just like Israel and Jonah. Jesus makes the connection by calling Peter “son of Jonah” in John 21:15, 16, 17. Leithart observes that this is not just in reference to Peter’s family heritage, but also his spiritual heritage: “Peter has just plunged into the water from a boat (21:7), and he comes dripping to shore like his “father” Jonah.  Jonah is not only his literal father but his spiritual father: Like Jonah, Peter the son of Jonah first joins Israel in denying Jesus and Israel’s own calling, and then takes up that task.”