“Let’s grab breakfast” is a common invitation in Dallas, Texas. Who doesn’t enjoy a $5.00 underwhelming cup of coffee and a $14.00 average omelet? The days of the $4.99 breakfast are gone like Oldsmobile.
But what if Jesus cooked you breakfast? What would that be like? Just ask Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John and two other unnamed disciples.
The horror of Calvary had come and gone. The miracle of Resurrection Sunday was in the rear-view. The apostles knew Jesus had defeated death as He had promised, but they weren’t spending every moment by His side since “Crucify Him” echoed through Jerusalem. The Savior appeared and disappeared like vapor.
In their own disappointment, confusion, and fear, they resorted back to what was comfortable. The life they knew before Jesus turned everything upside down. Peter grabbed his tackle box and said, “I’m going fishing,” and the others accompanied him. (John 21: 3)
They fish through the night and catch zilch. Early the next morning, an unrecognizable man (to the frustrated, sleep deprived apostles) shouted from ashore, “Have you caught anything?” They simply answered “No,” (John 21: 5) but I would have loved to have heard their tone. I’m sure there was a hint of irritable disgust. Maybe even an eye roll and a “Who’s this guy?” The mystery guest became maritime expert and shouted, “Throw your nets on the right side of the boat,” and they couldn’t carry all the fish they caught.
John realized it was Jesus. Peter, as was his custom, jumped out of the boat and swam to the Savior. The Bible says that then they came ashore, “…they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.” (John 21: 9).
And Jesus offered the invitation that has stood the test of time, “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21: 12) What an experience. The maker of Heaven and Earth, the author of salvation, cooks your breakfast. Can you imagine that YELP review?
Yet amid the fascinating details, there’s one big take-a-way… Jesus was already cooking what they were trying to catch.They had been up all night trying to catch fish to eat, and all the while, Jesus was ashore cooking fish for them to enjoy. We search for solutions to solve various problems. We get frustrated when we don’t see progress. We get discouraged and resort back to what we know and what’s comfortable. And it often keeps us up at night. But all the while, Jesus possesses the very answer(s) we’re looking for. If we listen to His gentle voice and accept His warm invitation, He invites us ashore to be nourished and comforted (Matthew 11: 28-30). What are you trying to “catch?” Security?, Peace?, Love?, Acceptance?, Wisdom?, Forgiveness?, Reconciliation?, Purpose? Jesus is already cooking what you’re trying to catch. Come and have breakfast! |
