EASTER SERMON SERIES: COME AND HAVE BREAKFAST: FELLOWSHIP THAT RESTORES

Fellowship Through a Shared Meal

Fellowship through “eating together” usually takes place in family gatherings. Sharing a meal strengthens bonds and deepens relationships among friends, colleagues, companions, relatives, and members of the community. In a shared meal, we acknowledge God’s care for our lives and His endless blessings, which lead us to continually give thanks to Him. A shared meal is one of the signs of fellowship that the Lord Jesus taught. During His life on earth—before His crucifixion and even after His resurrection—Jesus often gathered with His disciples through meals.

 

Jesus’ Invitation: “Come and Have Breakfast”

One example is found in the story of His third appearance to the disciples, as recorded in John 21:9–14. After the disciples came ashore, they saw that Jesus had already prepared a meal for them. There was a charcoal fire, and on it were fish and bread. Jesus knew exactly what they had gone through—that they had been fishing all night and must have been hungry. He asked them to bring some of the fish they had just caught. When everything was ready, Jesus invited them, saying, “Come and have breakfast.” Then Jesus served them. He took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. None of the disciples dared to ask, “Who are You?” because they recognized Him. It was Jesus—the One who had risen and who had previously shared meals with them.

 

A Meal that Restores the Broken

Jesus’ invitation, “Come and have breakfast,” deeply touched the hearts of the disciples. Not long before this moment, they had abandoned Him. They left Him alone to struggle in Gethsemane. They watched from a distance as He walked the road of suffering to the cross. In fear, they ran away. Even Peter, who was very close to Jesus, denied Him. Judas, who had been trusted, betrayed Him. These painful memories were still fresh in their minds and hearts. So when Jesus appeared again and invited them into a warm and friendly meal, it was something truly beautiful. There was no anger, no rejection, no harsh words. Instead, there was acceptance, love, and restoration. Through that simple breakfast, Jesus opened a new chapter. He did not focus on the darkness of the past—Gethsemane, the suffering, and the cross. Instead, He restored their relationship and prepared them for the mission ahead.

 

The Risen Lord Who Provides and Forgives

Jesus welcomed them into fellowship without bringing up their past failures. He revealed Himself as the risen Lord—greater than what they had imagined about the Messiah. He is not just a political savior or a powerful figure in the worldly sense.
He is the living God, the King of heaven and earth. He is the One who provides. He is the King who forgives. He is the Lord who remains with us.

 

Jesus Is Present in Our Daily Struggles

This third appearance shows the disciples—and all of us—that God is not far away. Jesus is near. He is present in our daily struggles. He understands our real-life concerns: our need for food, our financial struggles, our worries about the past, and our fears about the future. Yet, the risen Jesus is the source of life. He strengthens our faith and sustains us through every hardship.

He is not distant from our suffering. Instead, He is present in the middle of it.

Recognizing God in Simple Things

Therefore, we are called to remain grateful and to recognize God’s miracles in the simple things of life. Often, God’s help comes through people around us—those who care, who share, and who extend kindness. In this way, we can experience God’s presence through others. We are also invited to become instruments of God’s love. Even when we ourselves are facing difficulties, we can still share what we have. Acts of care and generosity do not have to come from abundance. We do not need to wait until we have plenty. Even a little can become a blessing when given with love.

 

Living Out Diakonia: Faith in Action

Diakonia—acts of service and compassion—is not only the responsibility of the church as an institution. It is also the calling of every believer, every family, and every community. The church is alive when its people live out gratitude through love and action. There are many ways to show care. A kind word, a helping hand, a shared meal, or a small act of generosity can make a big difference. The world is waiting for expressions of love. Instead of arguing, blaming, or finding faults in one another, we are called to increase gratitude and generosity. Share what you have, and you will see God’s work in amazing ways.

 

Fellowship That Brings Hope

The presence of Jesus among the disciples restored their hope. It reminded them that He is alive and still at work. His presence overcame their guilt about the past and their fears about the future. In the same way, today we are invited to come to Him.

In times of uncertainty, weakness, fear, and even the threat of death, God calls us into fellowship—a fellowship that goes beyond the walls of a church building. We are called to embrace one another with sincere hearts. We are called to pray for one another in the Spirit. We are called to stand together in faith, believing that the risen Jesus has power over all things, including sickness, fear, and even death.

 

Faith and Responsibility in Facing Challenges

Faith does not mean we ignore reality. Instead, it means we face reality with hope in Christ. We are also encouraged to work together—with governments, churches, and medical workers—in responding to challenges like the pandemic. Faith and action go hand in hand. Trusting God also means participating in efforts that bring healing and restoration to the world.

 

The Hope of the Heavenly Banquet

Jesus is with us. He meets us in our daily lives—in simple moments, in ordinary activities, in shared meals, and in acts of kindness. When we live in unity, care for one another, and walk together in love, we reflect a glimpse of the future that God has prepared for us. One day, we will share in the great heavenly banquet—the eternal fellowship with Christ. This is the hope that strengthens us today. This is the promise that gives meaning to our struggles. Until that day comes, let us continue to live as a community of love. Let us remain faithful, grateful, and generous. Let us trust that God is at work, even in the simplest things. And as we gather—whether in homes, in small groups, or in daily encounters—may we always remember that every shared meal can become a reminder of God’s presence, His provision, and His unfailing love.

 

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