Listen

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they weren’t far from shore, only about one hundred yards.

When they landed, they saw a fire there, with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you’ve just caught.” Simon Peter got up and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three of them. Yet the net hadn’t torn, even with so many fish. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples could bring themselves to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

John 21:7-14

Think

Have you ever studied so hard for a test or an interview, gave it your all, but still didn’t know the answer to that one question? Frustration abounds, sometimes even followed by a bit of embarrassment. But what about those times when you know deep down in your gut the answer to a problem? You’re faced with a challenging situation, and you have a gut reaction — something inside of you just knows, deeply knows.

In today’s passage, it sounds like the disciples had one of those gut moments. One disciple knew immediately, another disciple dramatically and literally jumped ship, and others exchanged soulful nods over a morning campfire. They just knew. Deep in their gut — they knew it was their best friend and Rabbi who beckoned them to come, sit, and be with him. Jesus knew his disciples, and they knew him, too.

Aram Bae

Pray

God, you are full of surprises. I confess that sometimes it’s hard to see you in my life. Open my mind and heart to the ways Christ is real and working in my life. Remind me that you know me deeply, and that I know you, too. Amen.

Go

Christ my Lord, be alive and real in my life.

Christ my Friend, be near and true to your word.

Christ my God, be honored in what I say and do.