John 21:12 - Exposition

Jesus saith to them, Come and break your fast . A Word is used which does not denote the principal meal of the day (not δειπνέω , but ἀριστάω , from ἄριστον ), but a slight refreshment that was taken in early morning, or at least before noon, and answers to our breakfast at the dawning of the day. £ He calls them to the repast. He becomes once more their Host and their Minister. Even still, metaphorically, he washes their feet. He attends to their requirements. He feeds them from this strangely bestowed supply. He joins them in their hunger for souls. He inspires their methods. He shares in their victory, after painful fruitless toil. Now £ not one — i.e. not even Thomas— of the disciples durst inquire of him— put to him the interrogatory— Who art thou ? knowing , each one of them that it was the Lord . The use of ἐξετάσαι instead of ἑρωτήσαι , John's own word, is not to be wondered at, as he does not think of a simple inquiry, but of such an examination as would furnish them with facts. These they possessed. A feeling of awe and reverence possessed them. They were of one mind about the marvelous revelation of himself to them. Some strange emotion sealed their lips. He had not manifested himself to the world, but to his disciples, and to them by "the interpretations they were putting upon their own experience" (Westcott). They knew it was the Lord. They looked into that other world. They were lost in silent amaze, and received the revelation once more of their risen Master and Lord.