Breakfast Was Always Ready

Every morning before school, without fail, my mom had breakfast ready for me. It didn't matter how busy she was or what else was going on. There was always a warm meal waiting.

It wasn't just about the food. It was her way of saying, "I'm thinking about you. I care about you. I want you to start your day knowing you're loved and provided for."

That's exactly what Jesus does in John 21 when the disciples come dragging themselves back to shore after a long, fishless night. They get out of the boat and there's already a charcoal fire going, fish on it, bread ready. Jesus didn't wait for them to figure out breakfast. He didn't wait for them to apologize or explain themselves. He just had a meal ready.

And then He said, "Come and have breakfast."

What strikes me about that moment is what He didn't say. He didn't bring up Peter's denial. He didn't mention the doubts. He didn't review the desertion. He just invited them to eat.

That's grace. Not grace that ignores what happened, but grace that doesn't lead with it either. Jesus was more interested in restoring them than in reviewing their failures. The meal was waiting before they even got to the shore. That tells you something about how God operates. His provision and care don't wait for us to earn them. He has breakfast ready before we've even finished drifting back.