*This article first appeared in the April issue of Faith on Every Corner Magazine
This month we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. And while I will never read more glorious words than the angel’s proclamation that Jesus has risen, I must confess that my favorite scene in all the Bible comes after the empty tomb.
In John 21 Jesus appears to his disciples for the third time post-resurrection in a very fitting setting. After a long night of fruitless fishing, they heard these words: “Children, do you have any fish?” After replying “no” they were instructed to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. After doing so, the quantity of fish they caught was so great they were unable to haul it in. The disciple John exclaimed, “It is the Lord!” Peter, unable to control his excitement, put on his outer garment and threw himself into the sea.
How reminiscent! After all, Peter’s boat was the setting for the first miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5). That event was the turning point in the lives of these fishermen. It was then that Peter acknowledged his sinfulness and Jesus’ holiness; and it was then the fishermen were called to follow him. How appropriate that post-resurrection Jesus used the same setting to again call the disciples to himself.
After dragging the net full of fish to shore, the disciples saw a charcoal fire with fish and bread laid out on it. Jesus then said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Can you imagine a more beautiful scene? Jesus, the King of Kings, cooked breakfast on the beach for those he loved. And how tenderly he had called to them. His address to them as children was not an insult, but a demonstration of affection and an acknowledgement that they must still be taught.
For some reason, this breakfast scene grabs my heart. Perhaps it’s because it shows the humanity of Jesus- something I still have a hard time grasping. Just think: he made a fire; he cleaned slimy fish. But perhaps I love this scene so much because it shows the humble, thorough love of Christ. If I ever doubt what kind of Savior I have, I first and foremost look to the cross. And yet, this scene reminds me that he attended to even the basic needs of those who were his own. This is the kind of Savior we have. One who tenderly calls us and loves us with a humble love. One who not only died for us but daily demonstrates his gracious care. One who bids us come and follow him.
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