Breakfast by the Sea

The Voice at Dawn

Simon, Do You Love Me?

Reading: John 21:1–19

The Gospel of John seems to end beautifully in chapter 20 with the triumph of faith over doubt. Yet John continues with a tender epilogue—one final glimpse of Jesus’ heart after the resurrection. This is not just a story about breakfast; it’s a story about forgiveness, recommissioning, and the daily presence of the Risen Lord.

Peter, restless and perhaps unsure of his future after denying Jesus, returns to fishing. The others follow. All night, they catch nothing. At dawn, a stranger calls out, “Children, have you any fish?” It’s a question that probes deeper than just their nets. They answer, “No.” Then comes a familiar instruction: “Cast the net on the right side.” Suddenly, an overwhelming catch. John recognizes the voice—it is the Lord. Peter, impulsive and eager, leaps into the sea to meet Jesus.

Waiting on shore is a charcoal fire and breakfast. Jesus serves them, just as He had washed their feet. This quiet act of hospitality proclaims the resurrection not only as a cosmic victory but also as intimate restoration. The bread and fish He gives are signs of provision, presence, and peace.

Then Jesus turns to Peter. Three times He asks, “Do you love me?”—a question that mirrors Peter’s three denials. Each time Peter affirms, Jesus responds, “Feed my sheep.” With this exchange, Jesus not only forgives Peter, but entrusts him again with leadership and care. This is grace in action—restorative, personal, and powerful.

The call to “fish for people” echoes from their first encounter by the Sea of Galilee. Now, post-resurrection, it carries new depth. The Church—like the net—is meant to draw all kinds in, to be mended regularly, and never to discriminate.

That steadfast love is what Peter experienced that morning by the sea—and it is what we too can cling to today. Jesus still calls us not only to believe but to belong—to restore those who feel unworthy, to cast our nets in faith, and to feed His sheep with love and humility. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to us in our failures, our weariness, and our doubt. Thank You for forgiving and restoring us like Peter. May we love You more than anything else and follow You faithfully. Amen.