Mary Baker Eddy called it a “joyful meeting” when Christ Jesus and his disciples ate breakfast together “on the shore of the Galilean Sea” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 34). The disciples had emerged from the darkness and gloom of Jesus’ crucifixion, and had found him again after his resurrection from death. They were rejoined with their Master and enjoying each other’s company. Surely, this breakfast was a time of great fellowship.
And yet, perhaps the real fellowship came in the message Jesus was to share later that morning. After they had eaten, Jesus turned to Peter and asked if Peter loved him. Peter said yes. Jesus replied, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus’ question and Peter’s answer were repeated twice more—each time Peter professing his love, and each time Jesus telling Peter to feed his sheep (see John 21:15–17).
This discourse between Jesus and Peter, in the presence of the disciples, changed the entire nature of their gathering. It troubled Peter and probably the rest of them that Jesus repeatedly asked Peter if he loved him and repeatedly told him to feed his sheep. As the Christ, Messiah, or Way-shower, Jesus was always teaching his disciples, so his command to Peter has an even broader application to the rest of his students. As I see it, Jesus was transforming their concept of discipleship right in front of their eyes.
