Week 3 - Come And Have Some Breakfast
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ … When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these? … Feed my lambs.’” (John 21:12-15)
A New Beginning for the Apostle Peter
Section titled “A New Beginning for the Apostle Peter”At the time of the breakfast encounter, Peter had followed Jesus for three years. When Jesus was crucified on the cross, Peter thought it was the end of their relationship. However, it turned out to be only the beginning of his adventure with the risen Lord. At the beginning, Peter heard the Lord saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (
In the symbolism of the fish (fishers of men), Peter and the disciples had learned of their opportunities and responsibilities to those outside the church. Now, in the symbolism of the sheep (shepherd), Peter learned of his obligations to those within the Christian fellowship.
The Apostle John began his gospel with Jesus and His disciples being invited to a wedding banquet; he ended with Jesus inviting His disciples to a breakfast by a beach.
The symbols of “fish” and “sheep” remind us of the two major ministries of the church: evangelism and discipleship. Some of us are called to be fishers of men while others are called to be shepherds.
At both occasions, Jesus had to deal with an embarrassing situation. At the wedding in Cana, the wine ran out. Running out of wine during a Jewish wedding celebration is like running out of food at a Chinese wedding dinner. At the breakfast by the beach of the Sea of Galilee, Peter had to hide his face because a short while ago, he had denied Jesus three times. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus had a word with Peter. It must have been a most embarrassing moment for Peter.
In the midst of such awkward situations, our Lord performed a miracle. At the wedding, He turned water into wine. At the breakfast, He re-commissioned Peter to be a “shepherd.”
A New Beginning for You
Section titled “A New Beginning for You”The beginning of a new year is always a good time to review the past year and commit the new year to the Lord.
As you step into the new year, are you carrying with you a bag filled with tales of embarrassment, failure and broken promises? Perhaps you have “denied” the Lord by not testifying for Him or have yet to fulfil a commitment to do certain things that the Lord has laid in your heart. Whatever it may be, it is certainly not a good idea to hold on to this bag. Let the Lord deal with it.
A few days ago after breakfast, I spent some time in the Bible College chapel thinking about the Lord’s question to Peter, “Do you love Me?” If the Lord were to ask me the same question today, how would I reply? What role would He entrust to me?
I encourage you to spend one morning this week having breakfast with Jesus. You may do it with your spouse, a friend or even alone. Pour out your “embarrassments” before Him. Hear Him asking you, “Do you love me?” Hear Him commissioning you to a ministry, be it evangelism, discipleship or any other ministry of the church.
I hope you will experience a wonderful breakfast fellowship with the Lord. Let me know how it went!