Breakfast with Jesus
Allen Lim
One does not know exactly why John appended an epilogue after his gospel. To most people, the expressed purpose in 20:31 serves as an appropriate conclusion. Nonetheless, this appendix provides unlimited illumination to both ancient and present day readers. It speaks of the Lord's unchanging relationship with His followers. In this passage, the Lord asserted once again His Lordship and demanded no less than an uncompromising commitment from Peter and the rest of the disciples. The same message applies to a disintegrated world such as ours, full of uncertainties and void of trust.
John’s literary genius displayed in this final chapter could be viewed as an one act three-scene drama against the backdrop of the serene shores of lake Galilee. The principal characters are Jesus and Peter. As John told us, this is the third time when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. (v. 14)
Scene 1
It is the Lord!! (21:1-14)
There are many speculations as to why and whether Peter should or should not go fishing. During this waiting period, it is probably the most practical thing to do. The disciples simply needed something to fill their time or stomach. When the Lord appeared to them on the shore, without any chiding he asked them the simple question, “You don’t have any fish, do you?” (v. 5) It is interesting that the Chinese Union version translated this as “Have you anything to eat?” Anyhow, they went fishing, labored through the night and caught nothing.
They did not recognize the Lord until they had the big catch following His instruction. “It is the Lord!” (v. 7) The beloved disciple was the first to recognize Him but Peter as always was the first one to approach him. The most touching scene was Jesus serving them full breakfast on the shore with grilled fish over coal fire and some bread which He had prepared. (v. 9) The Lord Himself handed the bread and fish to the disciples and the latter enjoyed the breakfast fellowship without a single word. (vv. 13-14) What could be in the minds of the disciples during these tender moments?
Peter must have recalled a similar experience during his early encounter with the Lord. (Luke 5:1-11) At that time the Lord gave him the new job of fishing men after the miraculous catch. Now with the same awe and fear, having denied the Lord three times days ago, what would the Lord say? The other disciples may simply remember how the Lord had fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish. When Jesus handed them the food, they were reminded of His servile spirit in washing their feet and His prediction during the last supper, regarding the coming kingdom, but not without His suffering first.
The disciples now realized it is the Lord. The same Lord who walked with them for the last three years, the same Lord who performed the miraculous signs, the same Lord who suffered on the cross, the same Lord who is now resurrected was eating with them right before their eyes. This same Jesus “shone” (in John’s language) His unchanged character by providing the great catch from the lake and the meal on the shore. Where these things come from was not a question at all. It is the Lord’s!
John’s purpose stands unfeigned. He proved to his readers that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
When the challenge is tough and the road rough, do we not sometimes feel that our Lord is far from us? Does He really care, anyway? Though shrouded by the mist of our uncertainties, He stays put not only as the agent of the cosmic creation but the Word that became flesh, full of grace and truth. He has not changed, not even a bit.
Scene 2
You know that I love you. (vv. 15-19)
After breakfast, Jesus finally broke the silence. As Peter might have expected, he was now being “grilled,” not the fish. Three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times Peter affirmed his love for the Lord, though a little grieved on the last time. Again, we are not clear as to Jesus’ reference when He asked Peter if he love Him more than “these things.” It would be much simpler if Jesus was referring to the catch. He had long forsaken his fishing profession until this current trip to the sea. If Jesus’ reference was to the other disciples, ouch, this must have hurt much. Peter could easily recall that he claimed that even if the rest would forsake their master, he would stand staunchly behind Him even if this would cost him his life. But Alas! He failed the Lord three times when those boastful words were still in the air.
But the intent of the Lord was not to hurt but to heal; not to pain Peter but that Peter would pine after Him. This time, Peter’s answer was more reserved. “Yes Lord, You know that I love You.” (vv. 15, 16) He submitted his love to the Lord's scrutiny. He also expressed his knowledge of the Lord's penetrating insight, He knows all things. (v. 17, also 2:24) In reciprocation, Jesus entrusted to Peter the task of feeding His flocks, but not without a price. Jesus also pre-announced Peter’s martyrdom in his old age.
Though this dialogue is more a test of Peter’s love for the Lord, yet the Lord’s patient testings indicated His unfailing love for Peter. He could have replaced Peter with the beloved disciple; but He reinstated his role as the shepherd of His flocks.
We cannot love the sheep without first loving their Master. We would just be hirelings, who flee for their life when danger strikes. (v. 10:12) Could this be the crisis of the church today? We do not only lack pastors but more so, pastors who would care for their sheep because they are dearly in love with the Lord who entrusts these sheep to them. When we realize the Lord’s “dying” love, then and only then can we even begin to consider paying the same price for our sheep.
Scene 3
Follow me!! (vv. 20-23)
Peter was always Peter. He was quick to accept the challenge but when he saw the beloved disciple trailing behind, he asked the Lord, “How about him?” After all, the Lord would be fair, wouldn’t He? Peter was willing to pay the price as long as the rest would meet the same requirement. But Jesus only reiterated His demand, “You follow me!” This time with an emphasis. (vv. 19, 22) Jesus did not give in to Peter’s desire. Whatever lot should fall on the next person was no business of Peter’s, it is the Lord's prerogative. Peter’s only option was to follow His Lord unconditionally.
How often have we acquired Peter’s syndrome? We tend to compare ourselves with others. We look at things around us rather than focus on our Lord. It’s no surprise if we should retract from our calling or retreat from our ministry when we turn our eyes on people rather than our Lord. The Lord’s demand is not an option to be considered but a command to be obeyed as Hudson Taylor would put it. His call stays, “Take up YOUR cross daily and follow me.”
Response
As we retrace the footprints left on the shores of the Galilean Sea, enjoy the heat of the coal fire, and taste the fish and bread, may we recognize the Lord lives even if the mist still enshroud. He is the faithful provider, tender lover and rightful master. Only when we know Him intimately, then will we love Him deeply and follow Him totally, even as He has given Himself unconditionally.