The Care of Christ Over His Children

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

John 21:5

The resurrection of Christ has been completed. The Lord Jesus rose from the dead, declaring the mighty defeat of sin and Satan. It also means that there is now complete victory for the believer. The disciples, however, has decided to return to their old ways. They went back to fishing because of what they saw with their eyes: their Saviour crucified and dying in their presence, and the emptiness they must have felt in the three days when Christ was in the grave.

Many times as Christians, do we not despair when things are cloudy and situations gloomy? Do we not lose hope when our source of strength and help is gone? The disciples went back to their previous occupation, their previous lives: they went back to fishing. And then Jesus comes…

He calls to them from the shore ‘Children, have ye any meat?’ and they honestly answered him ‘no’. Our dear Saviour was asking if they have caught anything for breakfast. When a child of God returns to the world, having served the Lord intently, wholeheartedly and sincerely as many of the disciples, he will not find any affinity or relationship that can be satisfying in the world. Notice three lessons from this simple verse of how Christ cares for us His child:

In the despondency of the children of God, Christ comes and calls to us. The disciples were ignorant of who the individual standing on the shore and calling out to them was. Like Adam and Eve, who hid themselves from Christ because of sin, the disciples left because of the sadness in their hearts. They were discouraged, they were lost but they were cared for; Christ calls to them. Brethren, if there is despondency in your heart, God calls to you today. He calls in love and grace, in truth and in mercy.

In the despondency of the children of God, Christ convicts us. “Have ye any meat?” forces the disciples to realistically look at their lives and their decision to go back to the world for their resources rather than the Lord their God. Is that the situation with our lives? Are we so down that we need to return to the world for their wicked music and graceless companionship? Do we need the evil communication that so easily corrupts our youth and many times our children and ourselves?

When we return to this world, do we get the meat we need? The disciples were honest in declaring that the world has nothing for them. Not knowing who was answering them, their answer was clear, honest and straight: No, we have not caught anything. Are we looking for our satisfaction in this world, our hope in our careers and our desires in our relationships?

In the despondency of the children of God, Christ directs them. He provides for them – the Lord Jesus has prepared some food for the disciples. (John 21: 10 – 14) He restores them – He restored Peter to His rightful place in the Lord’s army after Peter denied Jesus (John 21: 15 – 18). He gave them a future – the Lord Jesus told Peter what he will have to do for His sake. (John 21:19 – 23).

The despair of God’s children is seen and felt by the Lord of Glory.
“Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;”

And the Lord works on the behalf of His children to deliver them; either by delivering them from the situation (as in from Egypt) or by strengthening them for the future (as with Peter).

Believer, you can be assured of the Care of Christ over His Children. He will never leave us nor forsake us. You can count of His mercy and grace, His provision and plan, because He is God and He is our personal Saviour.

Written by: Pastor Johnny Tan