Luke 5:7–11 (ESV)
Jesus Calls the First Disciples (Part 2)
7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am
a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from
now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
In yesterday’s reading, the crowds were gathering and Jesus had Simon
take him out in a boat so he could teach them from a little distance. Afterwards, they set out for the deep and Simon who had fished all night and caught nothing dropped the nets at Jesus request. So many fish were in the nets that they were breaking.
In today’s reading, Simon still out on the water with breaking nets calls out for help. The Bible says: “7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they
began to sink.” To have so much fish in the nets that it is sinking the boat is a lot of fish. I think in that moment, Jesus taught Simon exactly who was the fisherman. It was Jesus! What is Simon’s response?
“He fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying , ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’” Simon humbled himself and confessed that he is sinful and not worthy to be in Jesus company. Jesus offers a form of absolution
and says “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” How do you catch men? I don’t think that was a concern to Simon. He just had the Teacher show him to catch probably the biggest load of fish
he had ever caught. Those with Simon were James and John. When they got back, they walked away from their career and followed Jesus. I pray: O Lord, help me to follow you and to know that you are the highest priority in life.
Forgive me when I let my career, spouse, children, or friends get in the way of worshiping you. Help me keep you as the highest priority. Thank you for your forgiveness and all that you have done for me. Amen!