Memory Verse:
3 “So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”
Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV
One-on-One Conversations with Jesus Create a Moment for Redirection
What’s your go-to breakfast? For some, it’s a classic spread of bacon, eggs, and toast, maybe with a glass of milk on the side. Others start the day with oatmeal or maybe a quick cup of coffee and a pop-tart. Some of you might even rush out with just a donut or a cereal bar in hand.
I’ll admit, I’m not much of a breakfast person myself. Sure, I enjoy food, but my morning routine doesn’t usually include a big meal. For me, a good cup of coffee and a simple poached egg or a bagel sandwich does the trick—when I even have breakfast at all. And yet, there’s something about the tradition of breakfast that’s captivating. The smell of coffee brewing, the sizzle of bacon, and the sounds of morning routines can feel like a comforting ritual.
One of my favorite breakfast items, though, is a bagel sandwich—thick bacon, a perfectly fried egg, a slice of cheese, maybe a dash of hot sauce, all on a toasted everything bagel. I discovered this joy on a visit to New York City, watching locals grab bagel sandwiches from street vendors. It was messy and glorious. Ever since, that breakfast has been a little transformative—a small but memorable part of my morning whenever I recreate it, a taste I love sharing with others.
I believe Jesus made a similarly memorable breakfast in John 21, not with bagels or bacon, but with grilled fish and bread. It was a simple meal with a deep purpose, creating a moment for Peter to experience restoration and redirection. In ministry, I’ve found that food often opens the door for conversations that lead to transformation. Meals around a table—whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner—soften hearts and create space for honest, meaningful connection.
In this one-on-one conversation between Jesus and Peter, taking place over breakfast, we see themes of renewal, purpose, and restoration. This breakfast wasn’t just about food but about a life-changing moment with Jesus—a moment that helped Peter realign with his purpose and refocus on the path God had for him. Today, we’re going to explore this conversation and see how Jesus uses it to bring rejuvenation and restoration, calling Peter (and us) to stay on course in His Kingdom.
Roaming Aimlessly
John 21:1-4
Sometimes We Revert to Roaming Instead of Waiting for God to Reveal the Next Steps
Rejuvenated
John 21:5-9
Jesus Calls To Us in Our Frustration and Reveals What is Missing
God Has Already Prepared What We Are Searching For- We Simply Need to Open Our Eyes & Our Ears
Jesus directs them to cast their net on the other side—a familiar instruction. This isn’t only a physical shift but a spiritual one: Jesus is turning their attention from what they think they need (fish) to what He knows they lack (true sustenance). We all have blind spots where we miss the deeper need, and Jesus uses this moment to reveal it.
In our lives, we often desire certain outcomes—a healthy bank account, a strong marriage, meaningful relationships with our children, and a closer walk with God. Yet Jesus gently points out where our focus has strayed:
We may desire financial security, but we aren’t practicing stewardship.
We want a thriving marriage but treat our relationship as transactional rather than loving and respectful.
We yearn for closer connections with our children but engage with them like taskmasters rather than taking time to understand their dreams and goals.
We long for a deeper relationship with Jesus but resist vulnerability in worship and avoid the accountability and tough love He places in our lives.
God’s Provision is Often Overlooked in the Ordinary Moments of the Day
Repetition
John 21:10-14
It Is Easier to Be “Busy” Than To Be Honest
Jesus Has a Table Prepared for the Conversation That We Have Been Avoiding
A One-on-One Conversation of Restoration and Requirement
John 21:15-19
The Conversation Releases Peter from Shame & Restores Him to the Mission
Following Jesus is a Commitment, Not a Friendship of Convenience
Reminded to Focus on Self
John 21:20-22
Stay In Your Lane
Comparison Traps Us into Forgetting Our Unique Identity in Christ
As we close out this conversation by the seashore, where Jesus met Peter after the resurrection, let me ask you this: Where does your mind race, and where is your heart searching today? Are you stuck in the same struggles, never learning or growing from the challenges? Have you become numb to the moments God has provided for you, just like Peter, who sat there with Jesus, probably distracted by the breakfast in front of him, maybe even a bagel sandwich, and missing the deeper moment?
What distractions do you need to cut out in your life so you can focus on being a better version of yourself, a better version of others, and your relationship with the Lord? Are you letting the world—or the enemy—whisper that you’re not good enough, that you have no place in God’s Kingdom, or that Jesus doesn’t love you? Hear me when I say this: the shame and guilt weighing you down are not from Jesus. That’s not what He offers. He offers life, love, and purpose to all who come seeking Him, just as He offered Peter restoration over that meal.
Finally, are you stuck in the comparison game? Do you find yourself constantly looking at others and thinking, ‘What about them?’ Maybe you’re jealous of their wins or secretly celebrating their struggles. But remember—God has a unique and beautiful plan for you. This conversation between Jesus and Peter teaches us not only about the restoration of one person but also about the deep call to follow Jesus individually and wholeheartedly. So, as you reflect on this moment, don’t just walk away. Like Peter, don’t get distracted by the bagel sandwich or whatever else is on the horizon. Take a moment to reflect: What has Jesus been trying to say to you today?
The truth is, when you focus on Jesus and follow His lead, everything else falls into place. Let this one-on-one conversation sink deep into your heart as you remember that God has called you to a purpose—one that is unique to you. Don’t ignore the thoughts and promptings you’ve experienced here today. Take time now, maybe even with a bagel in hand, to reflect on how Jesus is calling you to move forward in His love and grace, living out His unique purpose for your life.
What Do We Apply from this Conversation?
In what areas in your life are roaming around instead of Following Jesus?
Is busyness your excuse of avoiding authenticity with the Lord?
Have you become distracted by the comparison game?