“When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.” John 21:9–13 (NIV)
I love cooking-competition shows. Skilled chefs face various challenges to prove their creativity and ability under all sorts of difficult situations. Although my own culinary efforts focus on meat and potatoes tossed into the slow cooker, I enjoy vicarious cooking. I’m fascinated by the techniques I’ve never heard of, ingredients I’ve never tasted and the wild energy of high-tempo chopping.
My mind boggles as chefs describe an amuse-bouche of wagyu beef on a seared round of polenta, or their sous vide duck breast with a squid ceviche; and my mouth waters as they prepare crème brûlée or sculpt dark-chocolate delicacies. Watching the chefs at work has even inspired me to venture out of my comfort zone and I’ve had surprising success with a leek and shallot soup and some gluten-free carrot muffins.
As much fun as it would be to sample a meal by one of the skilled chefs on these cooking shows, I’d trade that in a second for the opportunity that the disciples had. How remarkable it must have been to come ashore and have Jesus serve up a fish fry on the beach. He fed them fish and bread, which probably stirred memories of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Jesus showed Himself to be attuned to human needs, and to be the generous provider.
I haven’t sat along the shore enjoying roasted fish over coals with Jesus, but He is the provider of all that is good in my life, as He was for the disciples. When I pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” I often think of how Jesus called Himself the Bread of Life. I’m hungry for His presence—the daily bread that matters most to my survival.
Faith step: Savor your next meal as a reminder of God’s provision.
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