Breakfast on the Beach

“‘Come, have breakfast,’ Jesus said to them.” — John 21:12

Some time later, Peter and some of the other disciples were back in Galilee, by the lake where they used to fish.

“I’m going fishing,” said Peter.

“We’ll come with you,” said the others. So they got into the boat and went out. But all night long, they didn’t catch a thing.

Early in the morning, as the sun was coming up, Jesus was standing on the shore. But the disciples didn’t realise it was Jesus.

“Children,” He called out to them, “haven’t you caught any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

“Throw your net on the right side of the boat,” He said, “and you will find some.”

So they did. And they caught so many fish that they couldn’t pull the net back into the boat!

Do you remember when that happened before? On the day Jesus first called Peter to follow Him, Peter had fished all night and caught nothing too.

John said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”

As soon as Peter heard that, he pulled on his coat, jumped into the water, and swam to the shore! He couldn’t wait for the boat.

When the others landed, they saw a charcoal fire burning, with fish cooking on it, and some bread. Jesus had made them breakfast!

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” said Jesus. Peter dragged the net to the shore. It was full of big fish, 153 of them! And even with so many, the net didn’t tear.

“Come and have breakfast,” said Jesus. And He took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish too.

When they had finished eating, Jesus turned to Peter.

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” said Peter. “You know I love You.”

“Feed My lambs,” said Jesus.

Then Jesus asked again, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

“Yes, Lord, You know I love You.”

“Take care of My sheep,” said Jesus.

Then Jesus asked a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked him a third time. “Lord, You know everything,” he said. “You know that I love You.”

“Feed My sheep,” said Jesus.

Three times Peter had said he didn’t know Jesus, standing by a charcoal fire. Now, by another charcoal fire, Jesus gave him three chances to say he loved Him. Jesus was forgiving Peter, and giving him a new start. And He was giving him a job: to take care of His people, like a shepherd looks after sheep.

Then Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.”

The same words Jesus said on the very first day.

Read it in your Bible: John 21:1–19

Dear Jesus, thank you that you forgive us and give us a fresh start, like you did for Peter. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Help me to follow you. Amen.