The disciples had been fishing in Lake Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection (John 21:1-3).  Despite their experience, they caught nothing all night.  At dawn, a stranger on the shore told them where the fish were - on the other side of the boat - and they hauled in a huge catch.  John recognised the man as being Jesus and Peter swam to shore to greet Him.

Jesus had already prepared a fish-barbecue breakfast with warm bread (John 21:9).  His invitation to the disciples to add some of the fish they had caught seemed unnecessary.  But there was no need for the other apostles to ask who He was – the stranger’s voice had the note of divine command.  His personal interest had the warmth of divine love and His patience, in standing by the pre-cooked barbecue, had the mark of divine peace. There was also a strong reminder of Jesus’ calling them to be ‘fishers of men’ after an earlier failed fishing trip which had been transformed by Jesus’ command (Luke 5:8-11).
 
Once again, Jesus was the host at the meal.  He took the bread and broke it before them as He had at the Last Supper (Luke 21:14-20), and previously at the feeding of the five thousand (Luke 9:12-17). There was no doubt that He was in charge every time He appeared to the disciples.  His identity was obvious in His character, actions and speech.  Although their circumstances were very different to their life with Him before the cross and resurrection, they had no doubt that the man on the shore was the Lord.
 
Jesus does not hide Himself from people today.  He comes looking for those who know they are lost.  In every new circumstance the hallmarks of His presence are recognisable.  His character is the same as we find in the Scriptures; He speaks to us by His Holy Spirit in a way which closely correlates with His written Word.  His acts of kindness are always unique but have that distinctive mark of authority – providing exactly what is needed at the right time.  Although we may not be looking out for Him, He always knows where we are.  He knows that we can do nothing of value without Him (John 15:5).  How much more productive we would be if we looked for His presence every day, acting in grace, mercy and kindness; and speaking truth through His Word.