Breakfast by the Sea

This is a story about a fishing trip, a breakfast on the beach, and a friend who was forgiven.

Peter, who was also called Simon, was one of Jesus' closest friends. He loved Jesus very much. Once, Peter promised that he would never leave Jesus, no matter what. But Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, Peter would say three times that he didn't know him. That night, Jesus was arrested. Peter followed, and stood warming his hands by a fire.

Three times, people asked if he was Jesus' friend. And three times, Peter was so scared, he said he didn't know him. Then a rooster crowed. Jesus turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered. He went outside, and cried and cried.

Then Jesus died on the cross. But on the third day, God raised him back to life! Even so, Peter must still have felt sad about that night by the fire.

One evening, Peter and some of the other disciples were by the Sea of Galilee. Peter said, "I'm going fishing." And the others said, "We are also coming with you." So they climbed into their boat, and fished all night long. They threw the net out, again and again, but they caught nothing. Not even one tiny fish.

As the sun came up, they saw a man standing on the beach. They didn't know it was Jesus. He called out across the water, "Children, have you anything to eat?" Children! He called these big, strong fishermen children. They called back that they had nothing. So he said, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."

They did. And suddenly the net was so full of fish, they couldn't pull it in! Then the disciple whom Jesus loved cried out, "It's the Lord!" Peter grabbed his coat and, splash! He jumped right into the sea, and hurried to the shore. He couldn't wait for the boat. He had to get to Jesus!

The others followed in the boat, pulling the heavy net. On the beach, there was a fire of coals, with fish and bread cooking on it. A fire. Just like the one where Peter had said he didn't know Jesus.

Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." So Peter dragged the net onto the sand. There were one hundred and fifty-three big fish! And the net didn't even tear. Then Jesus said, "Come and eat breakfast!" He gave them bread, and he gave them fish, warm from the fire.

When they had finished eating, Jesus turned to Peter. He asked, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" Yes, Lord, said Peter. You know that I love you. And Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Then Jesus asked him again, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?"

Again Peter said yes, and Jesus told him to take care of his sheep. Then Jesus asked a third time, and Peter felt sad that Jesus had asked him three times. Lord, you know everything, Peter said. You know that I love you. And Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

Three times, Peter had said he didn't know Jesus. Now, three times, Jesus let him say, I love you.

Jesus wasn't angry. He had forgiven Peter. And he gave him a special job, to care for Jesus' people, like a shepherd cares for sheep. Then Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me." And that's just what Peter did.

This story teaches us that even when we let Jesus down, he doesn't stop loving us. He forgives us, and gives us a fresh start.

So when you've done something wrong, don't hide from Jesus. Run to him, just like Peter did.