Breakfast by the Fire

The Story

On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter followed at a distance and ended up warming his hands at a charcoal fire in the high priest’s courtyard. Three times someone recognized him. Three times Peter swore he didn’t know Jesus. Then the rooster crowed, and Peter went out and wept bitterly.

A few weeks later, after the resurrection, Peter went back to the only thing he knew how to do. “I go a fishing,” he told the others. They fished all night and caught nothing.

At dawn, a man stood on the shore and called out, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship.” They did, and the net filled with 153 fish. John said, “It is the Lord.” Peter didn’t wait for the boat. He jumped into the sea and swam to shore.

Jesus had a charcoal fire going, with fish and bread on it. “Come and dine,” He said.

After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter a question: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” “Feed my lambs.” He asked a second time, and a third. Peter was hurt by the third question. “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.” And Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Reflection