Two Can Play That Game: Manipulation, Counter-Manipulation, and Recognition in John 21 through the Eyes of Genesis

John 21 portrays seven disciples fishing all night yet catching nothing. In the morning, a shoreline stranger instructs them to recast their net. Surprisingly, the disciples fail to recognize him. After a miraculous catch and subsequent breakfast, however, there is no doubt as to who this stranger is. Jesus then questions Peter about his love and commissions him to feed Jesus' sheep.

Using narrative criticism, Lowdermilk examines this recognition scene, asking, "How would a reader, well acqu...