Breakfast on the Beach (John 21:12)

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God’s grace shows up in little moments that are often practically unnoticeable. For example, read John 21. 

Jesus had died, risen again, appeared to the disciples, and gave them a commission to be sent out into the world. 

No wonder Peter promptly declared, “I am going fishing” (v 3)! 

I would have done the same.That’s a lot to take in! 

While Peter was fishing and thinking things over (or maybe avoiding thinking things over), Jesus appeared again—only Peter didn’t recognize Him. At least, not right away. 

It turned out the Lord had some sobering news. 

First, the Lord gave Peter his life commission to tend and feed His sheep (vv 15-17). Obviously, that’s a big job. An overwhelming one. Peter would spearhead the Jesus movement across the Roman world at a time when it would face terrible opposition. Can you imagine the responsibility? The lives? The souls? Ezekiel spoke about the responsibility of blood on your hands. Surely, Peter felt that responsibility, too. 

Second, the Lord predicted Peter’s painful martyrdom (vv 18-19). Not his success. Not his triumph. Not his easy and comfortable middle-class life. His death.  

That’s a one-two punch of heavy news. 

So where’s the inconspicuous grace in this episode? I think it comes earlier, in v 12. Notice that before putting all this on Peter’s shoulders, Jesus gave him an invitation: “Come and eat breakfast.” 

Jesus fed him breakfast!

Better to get bad news on a full stomach! 

That tells you something about grace. Grace can be meeting the risen Christ in all that awe-inspiring splendor. But grace can also be the simple act of eating breakfast on a beach with friends during a time of personal trial. 

Grace doesn’t have to be grandiose. It can be those little acts of hospitality, love, and encouragement that are easy to overlook but that make all the difference to the rest of your day—or life.

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Shawn Lazar

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Shawn Lazar is the Editor of Grace in Focus magazine and Director of Publications for Grace Evangelical Society. He and his wife Abby have three feral children. He also works as the associate pastor at Gateway United Baptist Church in Denton, TX, leading the contemporary service (www.faithfellowshipdenton.org). He has written two books: Beyond Doubt: How to Be Sure of Your Salvation and Chosen to Serve: Why Divine Election Is to Service, Not to Eternal Life.

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