Passage: John 21:12
"Jesus said to them, "Come, and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
I LOVE BREAKFAST!
Dish it up... I'm there! They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - and while I do not claim to be the resident expert on the subject of dietary information, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to suggest that at least this one breakfast was perhaps one of the most significant get togethers in recorded history.
Now, I can already hear the onslaught of the airmchair theologians crying out for validation and referential citation for my last comment... and guess what - I am prepared! (grin) You see - I believe that ANY TIME someone has a one on one encounter with Jesus, the Christ... THAT is an extremely significant, and perhaps THE MOST significant moment in time for the individual(s) involved!
Let's look at the scene, though - just for a moment. Here we have Jesus, after the point of resurrection, meeting with 7 of His disciples for the 3rd time since his death. They are out on the water, though not far from shore. Jesus, standing on the shore, asks if they had caught any fish, and the answer was no. So, Jesus offered a suggestion, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some"...
Now, the Word says that up to this point, the disciples did not recognize Jesus - and so, I don't know about you, but I find it a bit curious that they actually gave this advice the time of day, much less followed it to the letter. They did, however, and sure enough - they caught more fish than they could haul in.
One of the most interesting things about this passage is that once they dragged in their catch, te Bible records a PRECISE numbe of fish brought in... 153! Now, some people say that this would represent the idea that no one knows exactly who will make it to heaven until the final number is counted... others have suggested that there were 153 different TYPES of fish brought in. Whatever the case, I find it fascinating that the Word took the time to record the precision of the number... 153. I tend to err on the side of knowledge, and so I refrain from speculating as to what the real meaning behind this number is - and accept just what the Word says... it was 153 fish.
John pegged Jesus as the Lord, and Peter, enthusiastic as always, swam to shore to meet Him! Immediately following the description of the catch, Jesus invites the whole group to have breakfast!! Now, think about this... this is the SAME Jesus that died not too long ago - and then had been seen by the disciples on 2 other occasions. It is the second time that food has been a part of His appearance... and it sets the scene for perhaps one of the most intimate, and personal times of deep teaching that we have recorded in the Scriptures.
Meal time was always a personal event, and this meal would be no different. Though it is not specifically recorded here - I imagine that Jesus took this time of fellowship to answer questions and prepare His disciples for the things that were to come. What IS recorded is a section of that preparation where Jesus asks Peter 3 times, "...do you love me?"
This is a profoundly intimate discussion between Peter and the Lord. Beyond that, it was a time of reflection, depth and restoration for Peter. In the course of a few short verses, Peter went from surface to inner truth... and discovered the peace that passes understanding. Such can only come from a personal encounter with the Lord.
So... what about YOU? Have you had breakfast with Jesus recently? Have you taken the time to stop and get deep with Him? Have you allowed Him to probe the depths of your heart, and bring that peace, that restoration? You can, you know! Today - right now - you can speak to Jesus the Christ... and let Him speak to you! You may just be surprised at what a difference it will make in your life! Don't wait... do it today!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please bring us to a place in our lives where we can "have breakfast" with Jesus. Help us to slow down the pace of our everyday lives enough so that we might hear from Him, and perhaps even receive life-giving restoration. This is our prayer, and we ask it in Jesus' name, amen!
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Eric Reamer is an evangelist, and full time Christian Illusionist. If you enjoy this devotional, please e-mail Eric at: Eric@IllustratedIllusions.com.
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