April 8th, 2026

‭‭‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.”

Jesus had already prepared the meal before the disciples arrived back onshore. This reveals an important truth about restoration: Christ prepares provision before we fully understand our need.

Psalm 23:5 expresses the same idea:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

The presence of the fire carries symbolic weight. The only other mention of a fire in the Gospel of John occurs during Peter’s denial (John 18:18). There, Peter stood by a fire and denied Christ three times. Now he stands before another fire — not for condemnation, but for restoration.

God often restores us in places that remind us of our failure.

This is not to shame us, but to redeem the memory. Romans 8:1 assures believers:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

Restoration is not earned through performance. It is given through grace.

The disciples arrived tired, wet, and likely embarrassed by their earlier failure at fishing and not recognizing Jesus at first. Yet the first thing they encountered arriving on that beach was God’s provision — warmth, food, and the presence of Jesus.

Something to ponder today:  Do I believe that Christ’s restoration comes from His grace, not from my performance?