Whatever culture one belongs to, there will always be a breakfast meal that is touted as “breakfast of champions.” In essence these are easy to prepare morning meals, that are packed with nutrition and sustenance, that could power a person through the first half of the day.
The Apostle Peter and the disciples who fished with Him after Jesus died, had their version of “breakfast of champions,” when the Messiah Himself, cooked the first meal of the day for them.
“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.” Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” John 21:9-10
In the above passage quoted from the Gospel of John, Jesus did not only make breakfast for his seven disciples, He performed a miraculous provision for them by giving them a huge catch on a night they did not have any. He also ate with them just like when they were still together.
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.” John 21:12-13
Much can be deduced from this scene where Jesus Christ gave His disciples a miraculous catch, cooked breakfast, and shared a meal with His disciples. The same disciples who denied Him to protect themselves from being arrested and punished alongside Jesus.
Now for us present-day believers, forgiving people who denied or betrayed us is already a long stretch. A hard feat to muster. But for us to go the extra mile by providing and cooking breakfast for the people who turned their backs on us is something close to impossible. But Jesus practised what he preached.
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” Matthew 18:21-22
When we feel like we have run out of love to give and reasons to forgive, let us look to our Lord and call the mind the examples He has shown us through scriptures. Let us fix our eyes on Him as we tap onto His strength to love the unlovable, restrain our impulse to hurt those who intentionally hurt us, and increase our capacity to forgive.
Our capability to focus on God and defocus on our hurts, lies on our love and trust on Jesus who calls us to follow His example, promises to strengthen us amid hardships. Let us hold on to His promise that as we abide in Him, we will be ushered into the eternity that He prepared for us — a place where we will no longer experience pain and shed tears.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on John 21:1-14 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Is there anyone you are withholding forgiveness from? How can Jesus’ example of forgiveness encourage you to forgive others too?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, you never asked us to do anything you are not more than willing to do. Thank you for showing us an example of forgiveness, and calling us to forgive others who have hurt us. As we obey your command to love others more, we find ourselves free from the burdens of anger, hate, and resentment. Amen.
