If Jesus Cooked, Would You Eat Fish For Breakfast?

Reflections
April 18, 2010

The twenty-first chapter of John is an epilogue that in literary works summarizes or provides closure to the story.

Peter, James, John, Nathaniel and Thomas and two unnamed disciples decide to go fishing. After a long night with no luck, a stranger from shore calls and asks if they've caught any. They say no and he suggests they cast their nets on the other side of the boat. As they do this, the nets become so heavy with fish they cannot haul them in. John recognizes Jesus and at hearing this, Peter jumps into the water to go ashore. The others follow in the boat and bring one hundred fifty-three fish with them.

At shore, Jesus is at a campfire cooking them a breakfast of fish and bread. The story is full of details. We are told the names of five disciples with two left nameless, but the total number is seven, considered a perfect number in Biblical times. The number of fish is divisible by three, that was considered spiritual. This was the third time Jesus revealed himself to the disciples. The Jesus repeats the request that Peter "feed his sheep" three times possibly reflecting the three denials Peter made of Jesus. At the close of this passage Jesus foretells the martyrdom of Peter and ends by telling those gathered to follow Him.

This is a remarkable story on several levels. Instead of flash and flair, Jesus offers practical help with fishing and then serves the disciples breakfast. The offer of advice from Jesus is the gospel writer's reminder that Jesus remains as a comfort and guide. In a powerful shift from trial and crucifixion, Peter instead of avoiding Jesus cannot get to him quickly enough. The breakfast is a reminder that Jesus is the bread of life and disciples are called to witness. The first letters of the words Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior, spell the Greek work fish, so during the early persecution of the church, believers used the symbol of a fish to indicate their faith. Finally, the dialogue Jesus had with Peter is a wonderful indication that however one may choose to deny God, the love, hope, forgiveness, and grace of God still comes. The closing remark of Jesus to follow Him is very similar to the opening of the gospels where Jesus encounters those fishing and says, "follow me and I will make you fishers of people."

In effect of course these words are anything buy an epilogue. For the gospel story is written each day when disciples anew offer the bread and hope of grace to a world hungry for the love of God.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601