Easter: Breakfast with Jesus on Resurrection Beach
Introduction
Click here to open the passage in Oremus Bible Browser. (John 21)
In the opening verse, John indicates that Jesus “showed himself.” Jesus chose to reveal himself at the beach on a morning when seven disciples went fishing. I wonder why he decided to show up at that particular moment.
The Setting of John 21 and Jesus Eats Breakfast
The evening before, Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” Six others joined him, but despite their efforts, they hauled in empty nets all night long. Then, “just after daybreak,” Jesus stood on the beach. They were about 300 feet away and didn’t recognize him. “Catch anything?” he called out. “No,” they replied. “Throw your nets on the other side,” Jesus instructed, “and you’ll get some.” They did, and their nets were filled with 153 fish.
I’ve never eaten fish for breakfast. Have you?
John realized, “It’s the Lord,” and Peter, ever impetuous, jumped out of the boat, half swimming and half wading through the water. He left the others to manage the haul.
Jesus, knowing where the fish were, had already prepared a fire with fish and bread. “Bring some of your fish and have breakfast,” he said. Once again, Jesus served them food, showing his care and provision.
The Conversation with Peter
After breakfast, Jesus spoke to Peter. “Do you love me, Peter?” he asked. “Yes, you know I love you,” Peter replied. Jesus asked a second time, “Do you love me, Peter?” “Yes, you know I love you,” Peter repeated. A third time, Jesus asked, “Peter, do you love me?” This time, Peter was hurt. “Lord, you know all things; you know I love you.” Jesus responded, “Right now, you fasten your own belt. But one day, someone else will tie you up and lead you where you don’t want to go. Follow me.”
Reflecting on the Passage
The post-resurrection encounters with Jesus have a different feel compared to the previous three years’ journeys around Judea. There are no parables, long teachings, or healings. It feels common, yet profoundly significant.
Matthew ends with Jesus commissioning the disciples to tell the world. Mark ends enigmatically with the empty tomb. Luke concludes with the road to Emmaus, where Jesus vanishes as soon as he is recognized. John leaves us with a simple, yet profound, breakfast on the beach.
The Majestic Modesty
This passage holds a majestic modesty. It is important to let the passage stand on its own without over-symbolizing details like the 153 fish. It is simply a large number that impressed professional fishermen.
Moreover, I am not convinced by interpretations that suggest the disciples were being disobedient by fishing. They needed to eat and provide for their families. Fishing was their livelihood and a way to fund their ministry.
Similarly, there is no need to impose varying degrees of love between the Greek words "agape" and "philo" in Jesus’ conversation with Peter. The two terms are used synonymously in this context.
The Miraculous Breakfast
What is miraculous here is Jesus cooking breakfast and eating with those who had let him down. These are the future leaders of the Church in need of resurrected reassurance, which Jesus provides on Resurrection Beach.
Disarray and Direction
Post-resurrection, the disciples felt leaderless. They had always had Jesus to guide them. Now, seeing him less frequently, they were in disarray. Jesus’ command to “Go” left them uncertain about whether to stay together or separate.
Their ordinary predicament resonates with our own lives. We all face questions about our future, our past, and how to navigate our present. Christ is involved in the ordinary lives of ordinary people. He offers hope and guidance.
Practical Lessons
Jesus’ command to reverse their actions and cast the nets on the other side symbolizes the need to change our approach for better results. Forgive instead of holding a grudge. Give instead of hoarding. Trust instead of withholding. Maintain hope instead of cynicism.
We often seek a Jesus with fireworks, but here we find a Savior with charcoal under his fingernails, the smell of smoke in his hair, intimately familiar with our struggles.
Restoration and Reassurance
Peter’s restoration is a powerful moment. After denying Jesus three times, Peter is asked three times if he loves Jesus. Each affirmation is a step toward healing and reassurance. “You will die for me one day. Follow me,” Jesus tells Peter, foreshadowing his future faithfulness and martyrdom.
The Call to Follow
This passage calls us to follow Jesus, even through ordinary and mundane moments, trusting in his guidance and provision. Just as Peter found hope and restoration on Resurrection Beach, we too can find strength and direction in our journey.
Conclusion
Let us embrace the ordinary, finding the extraordinary presence of Jesus in our daily lives. Follow him, and one day we will enjoy the ultimate Resurrection Beach. Amen.
