Breakfast with Jesus: Rediscovering Purpose through Grace

Breakfast with Jesus—Rediscovering Purpose Through Grace

Based on John 21:1–19

It’s one of the most human, holy moments in all of Scripture.

The disciples have returned to what they know—fishing. The excitement of the resurrection is real, but so is the confusion. What now? What comes next? Jesus is alive… but Peter still carries the weight of failure. He had denied his friend. He had sworn loyalty and then ran away.

So Peter goes fishing.

It’s what he knew before Jesus. Maybe it’s what he thinks he deserves now.

But Jesus doesn’t let that be the final word.

Early in the morning, as the sun rises over the Sea of Galilee, Jesus stands on the shore. “Friends,” he calls. “Have you caught anything?”

It mirrors a moment from the beginning of their story—another empty net, another miraculous catch. But this time, it’s even more personal. Jesus invites them to bring some fish and sit with him. He’s already made a fire. There’s bread. There’s warmth. There’s welcome.

And then comes the conversation.

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Not once. Not twice. Three times.

It echoes Peter’s three denials, not to shame him, but to heal him. With every question and answer, Jesus peels back the layers of pain. He doesn’t ignore the past—but he transforms it. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus says. In other words: I still believe in you.

This is grace.
Not just forgiveness—but purpose.
Not just mercy—but mission.

Jesus meets Peter at the point of his greatest regret and turns it into the beginning of his greatest calling.

Have you ever felt like your failure was final?
That the mistake you made somehow disqualified you from being useful to God?
That you blew your one chance?

This story says otherwise.

Jesus is still making fires by the water.
Still inviting failures to breakfast.
Still restoring dignity and direction.
Still whispering, “Follow me.”

You are not beyond grace.
You are not beyond purpose.

Maybe today is your beach moment—your invitation to sit down with Jesus and hear him say, “I still want you. I still have work for you to do.”

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Action Steps for the Week:

1. Read John 21 Slowly: Imagine yourself as Peter. What do you hear Jesus saying to you?

2. Reflect on Your Calling: Ask God, “What do you want me to feed or tend?” (Could be people, relationships, gifts.)

3. Take One Step: Choose one simple action this week to care for someone or something God is placing on your heart.

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Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you for breakfast on the beach. For fires that warm, food that nourishes, and words that heal. I bring you my regrets, my doubts, and my shame—and I receive your grace. Help me to follow you again, with open hands and a willing heart. Remind me that I am not too far gone. You still call me. You still love me. You still send me. Amen.

Find more about God's purpose in your life at Monroe UMC, 206 East Avenue, Monroe, OH on Sundays at 9:30 am for Contemporary worship and 11:00 am for Traditional worship. Join us on Facebook or YouTube, or visit our website, MonroeUMC.org.