The Stranger and a Simple Meal!

As I approach to the waiting lounge in
the airport, the public safety announcement heard, “please report any strange
packages or suspicious act immediately to the concerned authorities.”

 The strange(r) always seems to be a
threat.

 The post resurrection passage in John 21: 1-14 is of a stranger at the sea shore at the Sea of Tiberius. The incident took place in the reality of frustration, hopelessness, and despair. They are on their daily business of fishing. The disciples did not give much care to this stranger.

The stranger took the initiative for dialogue.  He asked, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No”. He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some. (John 21: 5, 6) The familiar word Jesus used when he called them for the first time. (Luke 5:4, 5) The dialogue eventually leads to recognition by the disciples. The disciples whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”

All of them came back to the shore. The stranger greeted them with a simple meal, fish and bread. He “took the bread
and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.”  (John 21:13) A familiar and similar act reminds them of a past event, feeding the five thousand. Then Jesus “took the loaves… so also the fish.” (John 6:11) The revelation was complete. Nobody questioned the intention of the stranger or there was any doubt about him. By that time they all knew Him (John 21:12).

 
A wall hanger reads,

“Christ is the head of this house
The silent listener to every
conversation
The unseen host at every meal”

 Where will you find Jesus?

The Stranger and a Simple Meal!