In one of the post-resurrection stories in John 21:12-13, Jesus invites Peter to share a meal with Him and the other disciples: “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.”
What lessons can we learn from this encounter?
First, we are invited to have communion with Christ.
The invitation of Jesus to breakfast by the lakeside is a symbolic gesture of communion and intimacy with Him. Despite Peter’s previous denial, Jesus extends a gracious invitation to share a meal together, signifying His unwavering love and desire for restored fellowship with His disciples. This act echoes the broader theme of communion found throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of sharing in the presence of Christ and partaking of His grace and nourishment.
Second, Jesus offers reconciliation and restoration.
The shared meal between Jesus and His disciples represents a moment of reconciliation and restoration. By breaking bread together, Jesus bridges the gap that Peter’s denial had created, reaffirming the bonds of friendship and fellowship among the disciples. This act of sharing a meal serves as a tangible expression of forgiveness and acceptance, highlighting the willingness of Jesus to extend grace and restore those who have faltered in their faith.
Third, we are part of the body of Christ.
Beyond its significance for Peter individually, the shared meal underscores the importance of unity and community within the body of Christ. As Jesus gathers His disciples around breakfast, He cultivates a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among them, reminding them of their shared mission and purpose in His kingdom. This communal meal serves as a catalyst for deeper relationships and mutual support among the disciples, reinforcing the importance of loving one another as Christ has loved us.
The invitation to breakfast by the Sea of Galilee encapsulates the profound beauty and significance of shared fellowship in the presence of our Savior. May we, like Peter and the other disciples, embrace the invitation to commune with Christ and one another, experiencing the transformative power of shared fellowship in the journey of faith.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director
Office of Communications
Central Philippine University