Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”

John 21:12 ESV

Who has time for breakfast in our rushed society? Not many, unless it is eaten on the run. Breakfast is my favorite meal to eat at a restaurant with loved ones. I have a few favorite places; not often, but on a quiet Saturday or during vacation.

After Jesus rose from the dead, some of his followers took a boat out at night to fish. At daybreak when they returned emptyhanded, Jesus stood on the shore awaiting them. However, they didn’t realize it was him. 

Jesus called, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish… When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast” (John 21:5, 6, 9,10, 12 ESV).

This was the third time that Jesus revealed himself to his children after he was raised from the dead. Upon recognition, the disciples accepted his invitation to breakfast and ate together. I’m sure they marveled at the fish suddenly caught, but how did they feel, remembering that they had left Jesus alone after his arrest at Gethsemane? Guilt? Shame?

After breakfast Jesus engaged Peter in a heart-to-heart talk about Peter’s love for him. Jesus questioned his love three times. Peter grieved, but he was restored and recommissioned to serve the flock, God’s people. He would feed them the Word. 

Isn’t it incredible that Jesus, our risen Savior, with only forty days on earth before leaving to heaven, would prepare breakfast for the disciples and reconnect? Time well spent together. 

What would you do if you knew your time left was so short? 

Karen Sims