Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Easter Breakfast
St. John 21: 1-14
During World War II, the Allied armies gathered the Hungary orphans and placed them in camps with all facilities like food and bed to sleep. But despite the excellent care, they slept poorly. Because of the children's nervousness, a psychologist came up with a solution: each child should be given a piece of bread after being put to bed. This piece of bread was not to be eaten but just to be held. And that piece of bread guaranteed the children that they would have food to eat for the next day and they got a sound sleep. This incident shows us the impact of fundamental needs in everyday life.
The resurrection experience was not expected by the disciples who were already feeling the uncertainty of their future. According to John and Luke, the resurrected Jesus appeared to his followers in Jerusalem (Luke 24, John 20); other gospels indicate that Galilee is the place where they would meet him. In John’s gospel, Jesus appeared on Easter Sunday, and then eight days later, he appeared a third time on the shore of Galilee. In verse 3, Peter announces that he goes fishing. Peter’s declaration was an expression of impatience and confusion. Peter may be either hungry or want to be independent without knowing what God’s plan for him was. The other disciples also join him, and they tried the whole night fishing without any catch.
In verse 9, the disciples who went fishing were not expecting anyone onshore preparing breakfast for them. Contrary to their expectation, Jesus was preparing breakfast for them at the shore which depicts the love and intimacy with the disciples.
In verse 12 we can see Jesus as the host of the breakfast feast and all other disciples as the guests. Everyone identifies their host as their own sovereign Lord. They were then able to confidently witness about Him to multitudes that their Lord has risen from the dead.
In verse 13, Jesus’ actions are described to highlight the meal as his gracious provision for his followers. He served the meal which he prepared to his disciples like a mother taking care of the children. It is a simple meal, one typical for the time, and an abundant meal, with plenty for everyone. Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” John 6:35
Jesus told His followers that He was the bread of life. He gave them the assurance that he could satisfy not only their physical hunger but also their emotional and spiritual hunger. We all experience cravings—things we long to have. Many of these cravings are God-given. We often feel anxious, desperate, depressed, lonely or boredom with our daily life stress. When Jesus told the people that He was the bread of life, He wasn’t saying that he would fill their stomachs. He was teaching a greater truth: Whatever emotional, spiritual, or physical need we may have. Only Jesus can renew us from our desperate life situations. Thee gave resurrection gives us new hope that the risen Lord is with us in our faith journey.
The resurrection experience was not expected by the disciples who were already feeling the uncertainty of their future. According to John and Luke, the resurrected Jesus appeared to his followers in Jerusalem (Luke 24, John 20); other gospels indicate that Galilee is the place where they would meet him. In John’s gospel, Jesus appeared on Easter Sunday, and then eight days later, he appeared a third time on the shore of Galilee. In verse 3, Peter announces that he goes fishing. Peter’s declaration was an expression of impatience and confusion. Peter may be either hungry or want to be independent without knowing what God’s plan for him was. The other disciples also join him, and they tried the whole night fishing without any catch.
In verse 9, the disciples who went fishing were not expecting anyone onshore preparing breakfast for them. Contrary to their expectation, Jesus was preparing breakfast for them at the shore which depicts the love and intimacy with the disciples.
In verse 12 we can see Jesus as the host of the breakfast feast and all other disciples as the guests. Everyone identifies their host as their own sovereign Lord. They were then able to confidently witness about Him to multitudes that their Lord has risen from the dead.
In verse 13, Jesus’ actions are described to highlight the meal as his gracious provision for his followers. He served the meal which he prepared to his disciples like a mother taking care of the children. It is a simple meal, one typical for the time, and an abundant meal, with plenty for everyone. Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” John 6:35
Jesus told His followers that He was the bread of life. He gave them the assurance that he could satisfy not only their physical hunger but also their emotional and spiritual hunger. We all experience cravings—things we long to have. Many of these cravings are God-given. We often feel anxious, desperate, depressed, lonely or boredom with our daily life stress. When Jesus told the people that He was the bread of life, He wasn’t saying that he would fill their stomachs. He was teaching a greater truth: Whatever emotional, spiritual, or physical need we may have. Only Jesus can renew us from our desperate life situations. Thee gave resurrection gives us new hope that the risen Lord is with us in our faith journey.
Prayer
Dear Lord, give us the strength to go out of our comfort and be able to reach out to others who may be struggling or going through distress that may need us. We thank you for all the opportunities, talents, and blessings that you have bestowed upon us and we pray that we can use them to portray your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev Sonu Varghese