Today’s speaker, Paul Simpson, focused our thoughts on Luke 5:1-11, the account of Jesus calling his first disciples. Paul developed 3 themes from the passage as a challenge to us as followers of Jesus.
1. Responding to what Jesus says (v.5)
What did Jesus say? We don’t know exactly, although Paul pointed out that we have a clue at the end of the previous chapter:
BUT HE SAID, “I MUST PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO THE OTHER TOWNS ALSO, BECAUSE THAT IS WHY I WAS SENT.”
So we can assume that Jesus (in a boat with some fishermen) is preaching the good news of the kingdom to the crowds who have gathered on the shore.
But then he speaks directly to Simon Peter and the other fishermen:
WHEN HE HAD FINISHED SPEAKING, HE SAID TO SIMON, “PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER, AND LET DOWN THE NETS FOR A CATCH."
At first Peter, as an experienced fisherman, questions the wisdom of this, but then he agrees to Jesus’ command:
“MASTER, WE’VE WORKED HARD ALL NIGHT AND HAVEN’T CAUGHT ANYTHING. BUT BECAUSE YOU SAY SO, I WILL LET DOWN THE NETS.”
Peter and the others obey and the miracle happens – there are so many fish that they can’t cope with them and have to call for help.
For Peter and his friends, Jesus’ words were direct and audible. But how do we know what Jesus is saying to us today? Paul suggested that we can hear Jesus speaking through our private devotional life, through meeting with other Christians and being part of a church. Questioning is often part of the process and should lead us to obedience.
2. Recognising who Jesus is (vs.8-10)
The fishermen realise increasingly that they are in the presence of God – Jesus is Lord and he is holy:
WHEN SIMON PETER SAW THIS, HE FELL AT JESUS’ KNEES AND SAID, “GO AWAY FROM ME, LORD; I AM A SINFUL MAN!”
Jesus’ response is gracious and reassuring:
“DON’T BE AFRAID; FROM NOW ON YOU WILL FISH FOR PEOPLE.”
3. Revealing Jesus to Others (vs.10-11)
The passage ends with the fishermen leaving behind their business and following Jesus. They listened, obeyed and went off to reveal Jesus to others by their words and lives. Throughout their lives (as we read later in the New Testament) they needed to be reminded of these 3 lessons – and so do we!
Reflection:
When life is busy, remember that you’re a disciple of Jesus! Remind yourself each day this week of these ‘3 Rs’:
- Respond to what Jesus says
- Recognise who Jesus is
- Reveal Jesus to others
