NOTES for Joh 21:1-14
It is not Peter but John who recognizes Jesus, yet Peter reacts most vividly: he throws himself into the water to be with the Lord as soon as possible. Notice that the Gospel says the boat was already not far from shore, and the disciples in the boat immediately headed for the shore. Someone accustomed to dry land would find it hard to calculate which would be faster over that distance: swimming or traveling in a boat laden with fish. John does not tell us who reached the shore first, Peter or the other disciples. But Peter probably did not think at all about what would be the more sensible course. He throws himself into the water because he loves the Lord. His act is an expression of love. And who ever said that love must be guided by calculations?