May 6, 2025

You Are the Evidence of the Resurrection

In the final chapter of John’s Gospel, we encounter a story filled with surprise, restoration, and calling. It’s a story that meets us in our exhaustion, our uncertainty, and even our past failures—and gently calls us back to Jesus.

When You’ve Cast Nets and Come Up Empty

Sometimes you do all the right things. You return to what’s familiar, hoping for stability or renewal. You work hard, stay committed, and try to find your footing again. But despite your efforts, your nets come up empty.

That’s where the disciples found themselves—back on the water, fishing through the night, catching nothing. But just as dawn broke, a voice called from the shore: “Children, you have no fish, have you?” Then came the invitation: “Cast the net on the right side.”

In that moment of obedience, the nets overflowed.

If you’re weary and your strength feels depleted, this story reminds you that Jesus is already on the shore. He sees what you can’t. He’s calling you to trust again—not because of your striving, but because of His presence.

A Charcoal Fire and the Grace of Breakfast

When the disciples came ashore, they found a fire already burning—bread and fish prepared. Jesus didn’t need their catch, but He invited them to bring what they had. Then came a simple yet sacred invitation: “Come and have breakfast.”

Around that fire, past failures flickered into memory—especially for Peter. The last charcoal fire he stood near was when he denied even knowing Jesus. But here, Jesus welcomed him to a meal. There were no lectures, no accusations—only bread, fish, and grace.

Resurrection doesn’t rush. It invites you to sit, to receive, to be healed. In a culture that values action, Jesus offers presence. He reminds you that leadership begins not with doing, but with being restored.

You’re not asked to lead from scarcity. You’re invited to bring what you have—however little it may seem—and trust that God will multiply it.

Grace That Restores and Commissions

After breakfast, Jesus turned to Peter with a question: “Do you love me?” Three times He asked. Three times Peter answered. And each time, Jesus responded with a call: Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep.

This isn’t just about restoring Peter’s place—it’s about redefining leadership. Jesus doesn’t shame Peter for his past. He heals him with love, and then He entrusts him with responsibility.

Leadership isn’t reserved for the perfect. It’s entrusted to the forgiven. You are called—not because you’ve earned it—but because grace reshapes your love into service.

And Jesus still speaks those words today: “Follow me.” It’s not just a call to ministry. It’s a call to a new beginning—marked by resurrection, not regret.

The Church as the Body of Restoration

What if this story isn’t just about Peter, but also about the Church? What if every “Do you love me?” is Jesus asking the Church to care for the ones no one else will?

You’re part of a community called to be an extension of Jesus’ ministry—feeding, healing, loving, and restoring. You carry His presence into a world that desperately needs grace.

Even when memories of failure linger or when you wonder if you’re enough, Jesus is still hosting the fire. Still serving the meal. Still saying, “Do you love me? Follow me.”

Go with Resurrection Hope

As you go about your day, remember this: you are the evidence of the resurrection. Your love, your leadership, your compassion—it all bears witness to who Jesus is.

So if your nets feel empty, if your heart carries regret, or if you’re simply longing for what’s next, hear the invitation again:

Come and have breakfast.
Do you love me?
Follow me.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough for today.