Bright Friday
Come and Eat: Jesus’ Invitation to Start Again
Breakfast on the Beach
— A Reflection on John 21:4–7, 9–14
Gospel Reading:
‘Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. ‘
John 21:4-7,9-14
My favorite moment in the Gospels is when Jesus serves the disciples breakfast on the beach. It is the final recorded miracle of His earthly ministry, and there is such quiet intimacy in it. Just as He had once turned water into wine to begin His ministry with celebration and fellowship, here He ends it by inviting His weary, confused friends to sit and eat with Him once more.
“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore...” (John 21:4)
I love that detail—He comes to them at the break of day, light pushing back the shadows, hope dawning again after a long night of failure and confusion. At first, they don’t recognize Him. Yet with one familiar word—“Children”—He reminds them who they are to Him: loved, known, and still His.
When He tells them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, their empty efforts suddenly overflow with abundance. In that moment of miraculous provision, the beloved disciple sees clearly:
“It is the Lord!”
Peter’s response is immediate and unfiltered—he throws himself into the sea, desperate to be near Jesus again. It’s the response of a man who knows he failed, but who still dares to hope that grace is waiting on the shore.
And it is.
A charcoal fire is already burning. Bread and fish are laid out—breakfast is ready. Jesus didn’t need their catch to feed them, but He invites them to bring what they’ve received, to participate in the meal He’s already prepared. Then, in a moment heavy with meaning, He breaks bread and gives it to them, just as He had done before His crucifixion.
This simple breakfast becomes holy ground. Around that fire, Peter is lovingly restored. Three times he had denied his Lord; now three times he is asked,
“Do you love Me?”
And three times, with growing assurance, he says yes.
Maybe you’ve felt like Peter—haunted by shame, uncertain whether you’re still welcome at the table.
Can you hear Him now, standing quietly on the shore of your own heart, whispering,
“Come and eat... I love you. Do you love Me?”
A Prayer
Lord, I hear Your voice calling:
“My child, come—the table is set. I have prepared a place for you. I will sit with you. Let the striving cease, and let Me love you and restore you.”
Here I am, Lord.
Today, my words falter, but I know the Holy Spirit intercedes for me—even when I don’t know what to say.
Help me to come to You and lay down every burden.
Thank You for nourishing me.
Thank You for loving me.
Amen.
He has drawn near and we are never the same again.
Gracefully,
Daisy
