John 21:12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” JESUS said; and none of us dared ask HIM if HE really was the LORD, for we were quite sure of it…This was the third time JESUS had appeared to us since HIS return from the dead. [Living Bible translation.]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are the written accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of JESUS. The word “gospel” refers to the “good news” message or “glad tidings” of the New Testament. The word “gospel” is said to derive from the old English translation of “god-spell” [from “god” meaning “good” + “spel” meaning “story or message”]. See, www.etymonline.com and www.wikipedia.org.
In this passage, the writer, believed to be the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples, the brother of the apostle James and one of the sons of Zebedee (a fisherman), describes one of his encounters with JESUS after JESUS’ resurrection. John states that this was the third time JESUS had appeared to “us” [one or more of the twelve disciples] since HIS return from the dead.
In John 20:1-18, John describes JESUS’ appearance to Mary Magdalene. In John 20:19, John describes JESUS’ appearances “behind locked doors” to a meeting of some of the disciples. After greeting them, JESUS showed them HIS hands and side. Thomas (frequently dubbed “Doubting Thomas” and “The Twin”), who was also one of the twelve disciples JESUS chose, was not present during this appearance to the gathering of disciples. When the other disciples told Thomas about their meeting with JESUS, Thomas (a man who had to see it for himself) told the others that he “won’t believe it” unless he puts his fingers on the nails wounds in HIS hands and puts his hand into HIS side.”
Eight days later, when the disciples have gathered again, behind locked doors, JESUS once again suddenly appears. But this time Thomas is with them. JESUS ask Thomas not to be faithless and invites Thomas to put his finger into his JESUS’ hands (where HE was nailed to the cross) and put his hand into HIS side (where HE was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, Isaiah 53:5) so that Thomas would believe. By believing, JESUS promised believers everywhere life. See, John 20:31.
BREAKFAST
Studies have shown that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day---for everyone, but especially for children and adolescents. Breakfast has been likened to weight control and to improved performance. Serving a healthy breakfast has a number of benefits, including helping give you:
- A more nutritionally complete diet, higher in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Improved concentration and performance in the classroom or the boardroom.
- More strength and endurance to engage in physical activity.
- Lower cholesterol levels.
See, “The Many Benefits of Breakfast” by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature, www.WebMD.com.
According to the American Dietetic Association:
[C]hildren who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom and on the playground, with better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination.
See, “The Many Benefits of Breakfast” by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD.
In addition, studies involving adults and children have also shown a strong correlation between eating breakfast and weight loss. In “Believe in Breakfast And weight loss will be your reward,” Zelman notes that after a good night’s rest, the body’s blood sugar or glucose is low. So, skipping breakfast allows the body to stay in a hibernation-like state, burning a few calories. But, by eating breakfast, the body’s metabolism gets “revved” up, burning more calories and bringing the body’s glucose level to a level consistent with the body’s metabolism.
See, https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/believe-in-breakfast#1.
SERVING BREAKFAST
October is Black Panther Party History Month. This year is particularly momentous because it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party Free Breakfast program! The Free Breakfast program for school-age children was a community service program run by the Black Panther Party as part of the Black Panther Party social mission for the community. The program included: sourcing from farmer’s markets, including local farmers of color, providing free produce stands, establishing youth gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs and workshops. See, https://calhum.org/event/oakland%E2%80%95neighbor-connections-black-panther-party-free-breakfast-50th-anniversary/ .
The Oakland Black Panther Free Breakfast program began in January 1969 at an Episcopal church. Within weeks it went from feeding a handful to hundreds. From 1969 to the early 1970’s it is estimated the program feed tens of thousands of children. Many believe widespread free breakfast programs began in public schools because of the action of the Black Panther Party. See, “How the Black Panthers’ Breakfast Program Both Inspired and Threatened the Government,” by Erin Blakemore, https://www.history.com/news/free-school-breakfast-black-panther-party.
Children around the world, and in American, are still in need of a good breakfast. People are still in need of spiritual food and physical food. GOD is still looking for people who will serve.
Pray and work for good physical and spiritual health for everyone. And, BE BLESSED!
