Breakfast and a New Beginning

Some of Jesus' disciples went fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They worked all night but caught nothing.

Water moved around their boat.

In the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. At first they did not know it was him.

He told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. When they did, it filled with fish.

One disciple recognized Jesus. Peter was so eager to reach him that he went into the water and headed for shore.

Jesus had prepared a charcoal fire, with fish and bread. He invited his tired friends to eat.

The charcoal fire crackled beside the breakfast.

After the meal, Jesus spoke with Peter. Three times he asked whether Peter loved him.

Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times. Now Jesus gave him a chance to answer with love and a new task: care for his sheep.

That meant caring for the people who belonged to him.

“Take care of my sheep.”

Peter's failure had not erased Jesus' love. Forgiveness came with an invitation to begin again and serve.

When we are forgiven, we can grow more gentle toward others. Jesus helps us use what we have learned to care for someone else.