The Resurrected Jesus Provides Breakfast for His Disciples

In John chapter 21 we are given a beautiful passage about Jesus showing himself to His disciples on the shore. They'd been fishing all night and had caught nothing. (An entire message could be preached on this alone, about how our self-efforts are fruitless apart from God's grace.)

In the morning Jesus, standing on the shore, asks 'Children, have you any food?'

The disciples reply in the negative. So Jesus tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat (the right side--I'm sure there's another message in there.) They obey, and are not able to pull the net up for the abundance of fish. So John realizes this is Jesus. Peter, ever the impulsive one, leaps overboard and swims to Jesus.

Read the rest of the chapter. It is such a moving scene between Master and disciples. Jesus prepare a meal of fish for them, as the Good Shepherd who always provides. His simple words, 'Come and have breakfast,' are arresting. Think about it; you have the Savior who was brutally crucified, and who had just risen from the grave! You might expect some noble and lofty words, but instead we get 'Come and have breakfast' and the Savior of the world cooks morning fish for His followers.

Imagine their inner rejoicing, seeing their Lord again!

The chapter goes on to describe how Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. Three times Jesus asks this, finishing with the command to 'Feed My sheep.'

It is a simple command--simple, but profound, and it is the great mission He has given each of us. Feed the sheep. Love your neighbor. You are Christian first and foremost. This fact should guide your every decision and relationship. Meditate, if you will, on John 21. There is much to learn of our Lord therein. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:30, 'For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.'

Feeding the sheep, sharing the gospel of love and peace, is not burdensome; it is a privilege and it is the purpose of all our lives. Whatever may be happening in you life, don't forget the message of John 21. Peace be with you!