The Key Thing About Being a Follower of Christ
(Luke 5:1-11)
Most people aspire to be successful, and this desire for success is not unfamiliar even to followers of Jesus Christ. Most Christians would say the desire to know the key things that can help them be successful in the desire to follow Christ.
Today we begin a new chapter Iin our journey through look and verses 1-11 will help us explore this theme. In this passage, we will find Jesus addressing a great crowd by the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus calls his first disciples.
1: One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding round him and listening to the word of God. 2: He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3: He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
(Luke 5: 1-3)
The crowd gathering around Jesus was nothing unusual at this time. Speakers often drew people to hear their teachings. However, the unique speaker this time was none other than Jesus himself. So, this time, a multitude, as some translations call it are pressing in, eager to hear the word of God. As the crowd swelled, they are pressing against Jesus, the scene was undoubtedly one of anticipation and fervour.
We then see that Jesus noticed two boats by the lakeside, and the fishermen are cleaning/mending their nets. The lake mentioned here is the Sea of Galilee, also known as the lake of Gennesaret. This geographical detail becomes relevant as the narrative unfolds. Jesus, knows these fishermen, and he seizes the opportunity to use one of the boats, specifically on belonging to Simon's.
Jesus requested Simon to push the boat a little from the land, creating a sort of floating pulpit from which he could teach the crowds. This moment marked a unique setting for Jesus to convey his teachings from a boat on the water, creating a appealing backdrop for the crowd.
4: When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ 5: Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ 6: When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7: So, they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
(Luke 5: 4-7)
The details of the teaching given that day are not disclosed here but as Jesus concluded his address to the crowd, the story takes a significant turn because in verse 4. He turns to Simon, and addressing him directly, Jesus instructs Simon to launch into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. The simplicity of the request conceals what is going to happen next, and its profound implications.
It's worth noting that Peter, also known as Simon, had met Jesus previously. In John chapter 1, we learn that Peter's brother Andrew spent a day with John the Baptist who upon encountering Jesus, declared, "We have found the Messiah." Subsequently, Peter came to Jesus, who then changed his name from Simon to Peter, a symbolic transformation indicating a significant shift in his role in life, from fisherman to disciple, some would say to becoming leader of the disciples.
Considering this prior encounter and the transformative experiences Peter had with Jesus, it's reasonable to infer a sense of willing obligation when Jesus asked to use his boat for teaching and, later, to go fishing. Remember the Lord had not only revealed himself to Peter but had also just blessed him, as we saw very recently in the healing of Peter's mother-in-law at the end of chapter 4.
This sets the stage for what unfolds next in the narrative, as Jesus' request to go fishing goes beyond the simple task. It will become an opportunity to witness a miracle and a pivotal moment that challenges Peter's perception of what real success is and his understanding of who Jesus truly is and how to live a life of faith.
This perspective also adds another layer to the relationship between Peter and Jesus. Peter wasn't merely accommodating a request from a casual acquaintance; he was responding to someone he recognized as the Messiah, and someone who had previously blessed his family with a healing from physical illness.
The narrative, while on the surface is about a fishing expedition, takes on a deeper meaning, foreshadowed by Jesus' later application in verse 10, "From now on, you will catch men." This spiritual dimension underscores the evangelistic aspect of the passage — the call to go fishing for souls, for people who may not yet know the Lord.
The obligation to engage in evangelism is something many believers can relate to. Yet, it's crucial to recognize the Lord's identity and the blessings bestowed upon believers before doing so.
Given the context of blessing and the recognition of who the Lord is, the call to go fishing for souls seems reasonable. However, as Peter's response in verse 5 illustrates, there's a common human tendency to interject a "but" into our obedience. Peter, though recognizing Jesus as Master, presents a common objection, being, they had toiled all night and caught nothing.
This moment serves as a parallel to our own excuses in the arena of evangelism, where doubts and past disappointments can also hinder our obedience.
As we look further into this narrative, the tension between Peter's objections and Jesus' divine perspective will play out more, shedding light for us on the dynamics of faith, obedience, and the potentially transformative power of God's call.
This passage also reminds us that persistence is needed in evangelism. Examining Peter's potential excuses in verse 5 reveals a common way of thinking for us all. One can sense Peter thinking, "It's the wrong time," as this fishing expedition is happening during the day, an unusual time for fishing. Similarly, Peter might have considered it the wrong place since fishing typically occurred in the deep, and Jesus instructed them to do it there by the shore.
Often, the "wrong time, wrong place" excuse is a familiar refrain in our lives when presented with opportunities to share our faith. Peter's situation prompts reflection on the balance between recognizing appropriate moments and avoiding using it as a shield for procrastination.
Verse 5 makes it evident that Peter did offer excuses, but there's a turning point where he says, "Nevertheless, at your word, I will let down the net." This shift from "nets" to "net" indicates a subtle change. Peter, while deciding to obey, chooses a singular net instead of the plural nets that Jesus originally instructed. While it might be a small detail, I believe it hints at the lingering reservations or partial commitment.
The narrative then skips over the mechanics of getting the net into the water and cuts to the outcome in verse 6. The emphasis is on the miraculous catch. A great multitude of fish are caught that causes their net to break.
Picture the scene: Peter and his crew, after initially hesitant obedience, now frantically pulling in nets overflowing with an abundance of fish. The excitement is palpable, hearts will pounding with a combination of excitement and the effort involved as the weight of the catch threatens to overwhelm their fishing gear.
This instantaneous, overwhelming success showcases the miraculous intervention of God. The Lord turned what seemed like an ordinary fishing expedition into a spectacular demonstration of His power. The lesson is clear: if you desire to witness a miracle, be willing to take a step of faith into what seems impossible. Even when we think it's the wrong time or place, God's timing and location may be entirely different.
In Peter's reluctant obedience and the subsequent miraculous catch, there's a profound lesson about faith, trust, and the limitless possibilities when we align our actions with the Word and the will of God. The story invites us to examine our own hesitations, excuses, and willingness to trust in the Lord's guidance, even when circumstances seem contrary.
The subsequent verse, verse 7, unfolds the reaction of Peter and his partners. They signal to their companions in the other boat to come and assist them. In a rush of excitement, they fill both boats with fish. The sheer abundance of the catch is overwhelming; the plural boat(s) are so laden that they begin to sink.
Let’s see how Simon Peter reacts.
8: When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’ 9: For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10: and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’
(Luke 5: 8-10)
Simon Peter, confronted with this extraordinary display of divine power, falls at Jesus' knees and says, depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,
Peter's reaction encapsulates a crucial spiritual truth. When one encounters the Lord in His fullness and comprehends the magnitude of His wisdom and power, self-awareness of our own sinful state should appear. Seeing the Lord for all that He is and comprehending His Word in its entirety should bring a profound realization of our personal inadequacy and sinfulness.
This spiritual principle resonates throughout Scripture. Abraham, in Genesis 18, acknowledged his lowly state, describing himself as "but dust and ashes" when conversing with the Lord.
Job, after encountering God, repented, confessing, "I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes." Isaiah, in a vision of the Lord's majesty, exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am undone!" The common thread is the recognition of our human frailty in the light of divine holiness.
Returning to the narrative, it notes’ that the astonishment wasn't exclusive to Peter but extended to all who were with him. James and John, the sons of Zebedee and partners with Simon, were equally amazed by the bountiful catch. This sets the stage for Jesus' response, assuring Peter not to be afraid and proclaiming, "From now on, you will become fishers of men."
In essence, the Lord is emphasizing a crucial lesson here. Despite Peter's initial disobedience and partial commitment, Jesus redirects his focus from past failures to future success. The principle conveyed is clear: when one abandons excuses and simply obeys, simply follows him, success follows.
The Lord tells Peter, simply "Put your net in the water, and I will put the fish in the net." The emphasis is on moving beyond self-limiting excuses and embracing faithful obedience.
This principle extends way beyond the realm of evangelism; it's a universal truth applicable to various aspects of the spiritual life and, indeed, to life itself.
The message, I think is clear: Cease making excuses, embrace obedience, and witness the success that follows. With this lesson in mind, Peter and his fellow fishermen bring both boats to land, leaving everything behind, and choose to follow Jesus into a new chapter of their lives.
Verse 11 concludes this narrative with a simple yet profound statement:
11: So, they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5: 11)
The fishermen, having witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, decide to follow Jesus. This act of following goes beyond a momentary response; it represents a significant shift in their life priorities. They choose to pursue Jesus over their business and, at least temporarily, their familial obligations. These events they have just witnessed likely instilled the courage needed to make such a decision because they had experienced firsthand the Lord's provision.
The essence of the story is straightforward and carries a universal truth: Stop making excuses and just obey the Lord, and you will find success. The key to winning people to Christ is to abandon excuses and act. It's a call to relentless and unwavering obedience, doing it repeatedly, persistently, and consistently.
Very simply, success in the spiritual life hinges on unwavering belief in the Lord and faithfully following His instructions.
Success in any endeavour, including the spiritual life, involves disciplined obedience to the guidance provided.
Through his teaching and the demonstration of his miraculous power we are meant to be given the confidence to adopt a mentality of unwavering obedience to the Lord, emphasizing that success follows when one consistently follows the Lord's instructions, abandoning excuses and determinedly keep taking action.
The key lesson from Luke 5:1-11 is clear: success in the spiritual life and in fact, in any endeavour hinges on unwavering belief in the Lord and disciplined obedience to His guidance.
The call here is to abandon excuses, act with resilience, and thereby you can experience success in the spiritual life by consistently following the Lord's instructions. This narrative serves as an encouragement to adopt a mentality of unwavering obedience, with the confidence that success follows when one simply and faithfully follows the Lord.