John 21:6-10: a reflection

6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 9So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

The disciples have fished all night and caught nothing. Then a figure on the shore tells them to cast the net on the other side, and suddenly the net is so full they cannot haul it in. It's the Lord! John realizes, and Peter throws himself into the sea to reach him. And when they come ashore, they find Jesus has already made a fire of coals, with fish and bread on it, ready. He had breakfast waiting for them before they arrived.

Notice both graces in this scene. First, the abundance that came when they simply did what Jesus said, casting the net at his word after a fruitless night. And second, the tender detail that he had already prepared breakfast, a warm fire and food, on the shore. He did not need their fish to feed them; he had provided already. And this welcome came to disciples who had abandoned him days before, to Peter who had denied him three times. The risen Lord meets them not with reproach but with a fire and a meal.

There is deep comfort in that. Jesus is the Lord who both directs us into fruitfulness we could not manage on our own, and who has already prepared what we need before we arrive, welcoming us, even after our failures, to warmth and food and his own presence. If you have failed him, as Peter had, hear the tenderness of this scene: the risen Christ waiting on the shore with breakfast ready, glad to welcome you back. Come in from your long night, do what he says, and find that he has already prepared a place for you at his fire.

Lord Jesus, after a fruitless night you filled their nets at your word, and you had already prepared breakfast on the shore, welcoming disciples who had failed you with a fire and a meal rather than reproach. Thank you that you both lead me into fruitfulness I cannot manage alone and provide what I need before I arrive. When I have failed you, help me come in from my long night and find you waiting, glad to welcome me to your fire.