Sunday, October 26, 2025

John 21: 1-17

Who will be joining us? You are! 

In the post resurrection, the disciples have gone back to what they know, fishing. They had fished all night and caught nothing, when Jesus appears on shore. He calls out to put the nets out on the right side. And the catch of fish was so great they couldn’t haul the fish in. John recognizes it is Jesus, Peter jumps in to get to him.

Jesus on shore with a fire… tells them to take some fish and he invites them to breakfast.

Imagine, Jesus is making them breakfast.

This was the third time Jesus appears to them. We remember that they all scattered when Jesus was crucified except John. John stood next to Mary, Jesus’ mother. It must have brought a flood of memories to all the disciples. Peter denied him 3 times as he stood in the courtyard accused of being one of Jesus’ disciples, and denying three times, the final denial with a curse. And yet, here is Jesus fixing them breakfast.

“Grace, Grace, God’s Grace, Grace that is Greater than all our sin.” In an intimate moment Jesus is not done with them, showing compassion and reminding them of their purpose and mission. Three times Jesus asks, “Do you love me?" Each time Peter responds, “Then feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, feed my sheep.”

Jesus knows us, forgives us, offers us grace. And still wants to use us and commission us to share the kingdom of God, as imperfect as we are.

Can we offer that kind of grace to all?

Will we feed his lambs, take care of his sheep, and feed his sheep?

Will we do it with the same grace, mercy, forgiveness, love we have received?

Jesus is calling.

Do you love me?