Come And Have Breakfast
Scripture Passage: John 21:1-14 (NASB)
After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
SUMMARY
The text opens up at the place of the Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee. Six of Jesus’ disciples were there — Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, John and two other disciples who were not named.
Uncertain of what they needed to do, Peter and these disciples decided to go back to fishing at the Sea of Galilee, but they toiled all night without any signs of fish. When the day was breaking, they saw a man standing on the shore asking if they had caught anything. Although they did not know this man was Jesus, they listened to the instructions of this stranger to cast the net on the right side of the boat. To their amazement, they caught great number of fish. John immediately recognized that this stranger was Jesus, and Peter threw himself into the sea as soon as he also realized the man was Jesus. On the shore, Jesus had prepared fish and bread on a charcoal fire and asked them to bring some fish they just caught. As the disciples dragged the net to land, they realized the net was not torn although they caught a miraculously large number of fish. Jesus invited them to “come and have breakfast” as He had already prepared a meal for them. This was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples since His resurrection.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
“What now?” Peter and the other disciples probably pondered this question... Although they knew Jesus had resurrected, they were uncertain of what they needed to do next. Lost and confused, they returned to their everyday business of fishing at the Sea of Galilee. Until Jesus appeared on the shore at dawn, these disciples were aimlessly toiling in their labor to catch fish with no clear direction and purpose. However, as soon as these disciples listened and followed the instruction of Jesus (although they didn’t recognize Him at the moment) their aimless toil turned into abundant harvesting!
I think they were not physically able to recognize Jesus, but their spiritual soul recognized His voice and gentle instruction. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Thank goodness they listened to the nudging in their heart so that they experienced another miracle of Jesus. Also, did Jesus reprimand these disciples of their spiritual wandering? Did He condemn them of returning to fishing? No, not at all. Once again, our Lord Jesus was ever so gentle with them embracing their shortcomings and weaknesses. He thoroughly knew of their physical needs as well as their spiritual need for redemption. The resurrected Jesus was still a humble and gentle Servant to these disciples, providing a warm meal for their tired bodies and comforting grace to their wandering souls.
APPLICATION
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Today’s QT reminds me of this verse. It teaches me that no matter how hard I may try, I will accomplish nothing without Jesus. It will just be an aimless toil just like disciples were not able to catch anything all night long. However if I listen, follow, and obey the guidance of my Lord, there will be bearing of fruit and catching of great fish. I try to seek His guidance through my quiet time with Him in the morning. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to “Come and have breakfast,” (v. 12) I feel like Jesus invites me every morning to spend time with him. He prepares charcoal fire so my spirit gets comforted through the Word. He bakes fresh bread through the new Word that I read. He feeds me fresh caught fish to remind me that everything comes from Him. And when He provides, it is perfectly sufficient and abundant in His blessing.
I resolve to participate in this special breakfast that Jesus prepares for me everyday so that I can live a life truly according to His will.
PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, for the Word that You have given me. Without Your Word guiding my life and comforting me, I would be a lost soul. But Lord, if I ever wander off just like the disciples did in today’s text, would you come and meet me at the Sea of Galilee? I, being so weak and sinful, may want to go back to my old ways when I feel defeated and lost. I pray your Words will remind me to remain in Your presence, and to strengthen me to live a life pursuing Your will. I thank You for the precious time I got to spend with You today. Amen.
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