Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 21:5

"Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No." — John 21:5 (ASV)

Then Jesus says to them, Children, have you any meat?

This is not an exact translation of our Saviour's words; he might too readily have revealed his identity if he had spoken like that. His question was more like a common fisherman's salutation, "Lads, have you any food?"

They answered him, No.

Jesus likes us to admit that we do not possess anything of our own before he gives us the blessing he is waiting to bestow. He lets us see that the table is bare before he loads it with his bounty, so that he may have all the praise and glory for what he gives us.

Then Jesus says to them, Children, have you any meat?

Just the kind of language you would expect from him – to call them children, and to inquire even about their temporal wants. Always the Lord had an eye to the temporal condition of the twelve, as well as to their spiritual. Have you any meat?

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat?

"Have you anything to eat?"

They answered him, No.

But that was not his fault.