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Not long after Jesus’ resurrection the Bible tells us Peter was fishing naked. Why would this strange detail be included? Why was he undressed in the first place? And what does fishing naked have to do with us? Find out in today’s message.

In John 21:7 when we discover Peter fishing naked, the Greek term used is “γυμνός” (gymnos), which literally means “naked.” We find this in words like “gymnasium,” which historically referred to a place for exercise where people trained in the nude. However, it was often used in ancient Greek to mean “stripped for work” or “lightly clothed,” especially when fishing or laboring.

Some Bibles says it this way, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea.”

Whether he was actually naked or lightly glad, it is nonetheless an interesting detail to mention. What could this possibly have to do with you and me?

One explanation could be this. In Peter’s day, fishing was hard, wet, physical labor done in the early morning or at night, and typically in warm weather. Men often stripped off their outer garments to avoid ruining them or getting them soaked. Think of someone rolling up sleeves or wearing gym shorts to work outside in the heat—it wasn’t about being indecent; it was about being free to work effectively.

That practical explanation might be correct, but it still begs the question, why would you include this detail in the Bible, unless it was there to make a much deeper spiritual point?

Let’s rewind a bit. Not long before this scene, Peter had made one of the worst blunders in the Gospels: he denied Jesus—not once, not twice, but three times. This was the same Peter who had boldly declared he would lay down his life for Jesus. But when push came to shove, fear won. Guilt must have hung over him like a storm cloud.

And so here we find Peter, back to fishing. Back to what he knew before Jesus called him. Sometimes when we’re overwhelmed by our mistakes, we return to the familiar. It’s our way of coping, hiding, or perhaps trying to forget. But let’s not ignore that odd image: Peter is “lightly clad” or naked. Why?

In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned, the first thing they noticed was that they were naked. Their innocence was gone, and they tried to cover themselves. When God came walking in the garden, they hid. Shame does that to us—it makes us want to disappear, to cover up, to stay in the shadows. And here’s Peter, perhaps unknowingly echoing Adam: exposed, ashamed, and uncertain.

But then something shifts. John, the beloved disciple, sees Jesus on the shore and says, “It is the Lord.” Immediately, Peter reacts. He throws on his cloak—not to impress Jesus, but because he knows he’s not presentable. Then, he jumps into the water. Why? Because when you’ve denied the Lord, and then He shows up again—alive, waiting, and cooking breakfast—the only thing to do is run to Him, even if you feel unworthy.

Peter’s actions are messy, impulsive, and honest. And maybe that’s exactly how grace works.

After breakfast comes the confrontation. Jesus turns to Peter and asks the haunting question:

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

He doesn’t ask it once, but three times—matching the three denials. Each time, Peter answers, and each time Jesus gives him a mission: Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep.

Peter isn’t just forgiven—he’s restored. Jesus doesn’t hold a grudge or shame him. He invites him back into relationship, and into leadership. It’s almost as if Jesus is saying, “Your failure didn’t disqualify you. In fact, your humility has made you ready to shepherd others.”

We’ve all “fished naked” at some point. We’ve all gone back to our old habits, exposed in our sin, wondering if God could still love us after what we’ve done. And like Peter, many of us try to cover up before coming to Jesus—hoping to look a little more put together, a little less ashamed.

But Jesus doesn’t wait for us to get dressed. He comes to the shoreline of our lives, often while we’re still in our mess, and calls to us. “Come, let’s have breakfast.”

And if we let Him, He’ll sit us down, look us in the eye, and ask that most important question: “Do you love me?”

Not “Did you mess up?”
Not “What were you thinking?”
Just: Do you love me?

And if we say yes—even with trembling voices—He says, “Then come follow me.”

Fishing naked may have begun as a symbol of shame, but in this Gospel scene, it ends in redemption. Peter jumped into the water exposed, but walked away clothed in grace, with a new mission.

May we have the courage to do the same.

Heavenly Father, like Peter, I have been exposed in my sin. Even when I feel confident and strong in my faith I still sometimes give into my weakness. Father, I have encountered Jesus in the breaking of the bread. I am sorry for my sins. I love you! I love you! I love you! Lead me in the path of righteousness and help me to always feed your sheep. Amen!   

AMDG 

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I extend a warm welcome to all of the men joining us here for the first time following the recent retreat on May 31st at St. Ann’s Parish in Hoboken, NJ. Thank you for making me feel so welcomed in your parish. It was a blessing to be with you all!

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 I always love to hear from you. You can email me by clicking here.

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Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

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