Each time when reading John 21:1-14, I am weepy without fail.
After Jesus’ death, the disciples’ daily routines and purpose seemed to shift. They were no longer disciples sitting under Jesus’ teaching, sharing meals, serving others, and enjoying His friendship. Their identity from the past three years was seemingly stripped away. So, what does Peter do?
He returned to all he knew before. “Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ …”
And the others joined him. Some semblance of normalcy seemed to provide them comfort— yet they caught nothing.
I can imagine Peter’s thoughts now— “Can this not even go right?! Why can’t I even provide fish for myself now? Have I lost every part of who I am? I do not know who I am anymore.”
Then Jesus steps onto the scene— calling to them, like old times, asking them to cast their net off the side of the boat. This time, not only do they bring in fish, but it is so heavy they cannot haul it in. John and Peter realize, this is Jesus.
When they made it to the shore, there is Jesus, with breakfast already prepared.
“… they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread…. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast’…”
This is breathtaking to me. I do not know if it’s because I’m a breakfast-kind-of-gal, or because I love acts of service — but this passage is always so striking!
The sweetness is in Jesus lovingly speaking their identity to them — You are mine. Still called to drawing in “fish” even if I am not with you. I have already provided the “”fish”, but how much joy we have in working to bring them in together!
Today as we are reflecting on Jesus resurrection, let us not forget— we are not without hope. Our identity and calling in Him is unshakeable. He longs to include us in big, extraordinary Kingdom events as well as the small, ordinary moments of meals, conversations, and our jobs. Let us press on in the joy of working with Him and in the sweetness of shared ordinary moments.
Smile in a Cup 