John 21:12–13
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
Scripture Insights
Jesus is a master at setting people up. In the broader scene where we find our verses for today, the disciples had been out all night doing what they knew best—fishing. Whether it was out of uncertainty of their future purpose or simply the need to eat, they returned after Jesus’s death to doing what they knew. Though they had fished all their lives, this time was a bust. Then Jesus showed up, gave them instructions, and turned failure into overwhelming success.
Jesus was setting them up to reintroduce his purpose for the rest of their lives. As he had done so many times before, Jesus invited his friends to join him in the breaking of bread together, where he engaged Peter. Peter, if you love me, feed my sheep. Peter, if you love me, follow me.
Jesus continues to engage you and me today with the same purpose—first, to join him in intimate fellowship, then to follow him into his mission of loving others and blessing them in practical ways in order to share the good news of full salvation. May we be obedient.
Today’s Prayer
Father, as Jesus draws us into fellowship and mission, may your Spirit enable us to respond in obedience and empower us to love and bless those around us through our deeds and words. We deeply desire to bear much fruit as we abide in Christ.
—Steve Ottley
CotN District Superintendent, Canada Central
