John 21:1-14
Verse 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
It doesn’t tell us how many days were between this visit and the last but it was enough time for them to head from Jerusalem to Galilee. The men were back in their old stomping grounds. They had spent many a night on this sea fishing so they could feed their families. At least some of these men were professional fishermen. In fact the beginning of this passage was similar to a memory they had from one of their earliest interactions with Jesus.
Luke tells us about the calling of Peter to follow Jesus (Luke 5:1-11) and it started with Jesus asking Peter to row Him away from the beach a little so He could teach the people on land. Peter had been mending his nets but was willing to help out the teacher. Peter must have been listening in on the teaching but when it was over the man asked for a ride deeper out into the water and then told Peter and those with him to throw out the nets. They had fished all night and caught nothing – something that must have been frustrating for professional fishermen trying to make a living – but they did what He said and had to call in another boat to help haul the fish.
That memory from 3 years past left no doubt in John’s mind that Jesus was the man on the beach now and upon hearing John’s declaration Peter decides not to wait for the boat to get to the beach he plunges in and swims the hundred yards to shore. Peter knows that he had failed the Lord at the trial but he still loved his friend.
This breakfast would have been such a great time of fellowship. Jesus had cooked up fish and bread for them on a fire which would have felt good to the men who had been on the lake all night, especially to Peter who was wet from his swim. They were likely reminiscing about the first time Jesus caught them a load of fish and maybe even how He had multiplied the fish for feeding the multitudes. This was a time of friendship and an opportunity to make new memories and prepare for the future of the mission without Jesus with them in person.
Making It Personal
What are some memories you have about your relationship with Jesus? Do those memories help build your relationship with Him? How do those memories help you live as His follower?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you have any memories of Jesus that are special to you, like maybe a time He taught you something about Himself in the Bible? Do you still make memories as you get to know Jesus better? What kind of memories do you want to make with Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for showing us this special event of Jesus with His friends. Help us remember that we are His friends too and that we should be as eager as Peter to see Him and fellowship with Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.