Breakfast On The Beach
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 30th Sermon, Day 4
Imagine Peter's surprise when he saw Jesus standing on the shore that morning. After his devastating failure, Peter had returned to what felt safe - his old life of fishing. But Jesus didn't wait for Peter to come to him. The resurrected Lord sought out his broken disciple and did something remarkable: he made breakfast.
This wasn't a formal meeting in a temple or a stern confrontation about Peter's denial. It was an intimate meal prepared by the Savior himself for the man who had publicly rejected him. Jesus could have chosen any way to address Peter's failure, but he chose the way of love, hospitality, and gentle restoration.
The fire Jesus built on that beach was different from the fire where Peter had warmed himself while denying his Lord. This fire represented warmth, provision, and welcome rather than compromise and fear. Jesus was showing Peter that he wasn't interested in punishment - he was interested in restoration.
What strikes me most about this scene is that Jesus prepared this meal not for the faithful disciples who had stood by him, but specifically for the one who had failed him most publicly. This is the heart of our God - he doesn't avoid our failures or wait for us to clean ourselves up. He walks straight into our mess with hands full of healing.
When we fail, we often assume we need to earn our way back into God's good graces. We think we need to prove ourselves worthy of his love again. But Jesus shows us a different way. He meets us in our shame with grace, in our failure with love, and in our brokenness with the offer of a new beginning.
Bible Verse
'But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.' - Luke 22:56-62
Reflection Question
How does it change your perspective on failure to know that Jesus actively seeks you out in your lowest moments rather than waiting for you to come to him?
Quote
The Savior of the world, resurrected in glory, made a fire and prepared a meal not for the faithful, but for the man who denied him.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for seeking me out when I fail rather than waiting for me to find my way back to you. Help me to receive your grace and love even when I feel unworthy of it. Thank you for preparing a place for me at your table even after my worst moments. Amen.
