John 21:12

‘Jesus says to them, “come and break your fast.” An none of the disciples dared to enquire of him, “Who are you?”, knowing that it was the Lord.'

The reference to ‘come an break your fast' may well be a reminder to them of Jesus words about them fasting in the day when He was snatched away from them (Mark 2:20). But now that time was over and they could break their fast, for their sorrow had been turned into joy (John 16:20).

This verse, taken with the fact that others at first had difficulty recognising him (the two on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:16), Mary Magdalene (John 20:14), must suggest that the risen Jesus was not an exact replica of what He had been like in His earthly form just prior to His death. This also helps to explain why He had earlier made them look at the nail prints and the spear wound. He wanted them to be sure of Who He was.

‘None of the disciples dared ask, “Who are you?” ' While He had previously appeared to them, and they were glad, they had still not got used to the idea of a resurrected person being with them. They knew it was the Lord but they shied off from confirming it. Nor did they want to be rebuked for unbelief. They waited for Him to reveal Himself.

This does bring out that there is now a gap recognisable between Jesus and His disciples. Previously they had been life companions, although as such there had always been special respect given to Him. Now, however, they were aware that He was so much more than they had ever thought and this caused some restraint. From now on, while they would enjoy closeness of fellowship with Him, it would be a fellowship of the Spirit, recognising that He was on the divine side of reality.