Jesus calls the fishermen “children”. He stands on the shore and offers them breakfast. When Peter hears that it is Jesus he heads off to the shore leaving his companions – remember he has left everything before! Notice how, gently, Jesus is in control of the whole scene. Peter obeys the quiet authority of Jesus.
Then we have a charming image of Jesus the ‘braai-master’. Jesus has prepared a charcoal fire and is cooking a meal for the fishermen. He invites them to eat breakfast – literally to break their fast. Might this also be a metaphor, an invitation inviting them to break their fast. What might need breaking? Their disbelief in the resurrection, despair and
hopelessness?
‘Come and eat breakfast’ Jesus says. In the Gospels Jesus often uses the word ‘come’. Jesus reveals a God of invitations. God is always inviting us to come to something more – something more nutritious and maybe even unexpected than where we are.
Jesus brings his disciples together for a meal. He does this often in the Gospel, Jesus builds community around meals. Important things happens at meals. There are hints here to an early Christian Eucharist – Jesus again takes bread and gives it to them – and fish – he is again ‘feeding’ them. Jesus knows that these disciples are physically hungry after a night
out. But he knows too that, right now, their souls are hungry and they need encouragement.
Take time today to consider who is in control of your life? We think we are, but, are we really? Peter thought he was in control but discovers that Jesus is.
You might want to consider what ‘fast’ the Lord is inviting you to break today? Negativity? Hopelessness? Despair?
Jesus knows the disciples need encouragement. Where, at this time in your life. Do you know you need encouragement? Will you let the Lord encourage you?
