When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
~ John 21:9,10
A small group of men had recently gone through traumatic experiences. All of them had fled when Jesus was arrested; Peter had denied that he even knew him…and then Jesus had been brutely executed!
These men had witnessed faith-crushing horror, and then they had seen the impossible! On Easter morning Jesus Christ had risen from the dead! Jesus had already met with them several time, and now seven of them were eating with Jesus at a campfire by the Sea of Tiberias.
John 21:15-19
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
It’s extremely reassuring to know that, like Peter, Jesus has not forgotten us nor forsaken us even when our faith is weak. Instead, he comes to us through Baptism, his Word, and the Lord’s Supper to strengthen our faith and assure us that our countless sins are forgiven.
We look forward to Jesus Christ’s glorious return! He will take us to be with him! Then, we too will eat with Jesus–not a simple meal by a lake–but a banquet! “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 13:29. Until then, follow Jesus!
Peter later wrote: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
~ 1 Peter 1:3-9
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Risen Savior, you know that I love you. Sustain within me a living hope in you always, and allow me to share that bright future in Heaven with you. Amen.
Living Hope Church 