Jesus Calls His First Disciples
5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around 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 shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
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 signaled 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.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 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.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him
Study
Chapter 5 v1-11
Jesus begins this chapter with a unique style of teaching. He teaches them from Simon/peter’s boat. This is cool because can you imagine the privilege that peter must have felt? We might over look these tiny details but Jesus can be drawing peters heart and the others to become his first disciples.
V4-5 Jesus asks Simon to cast his net. And the response from peter had a hint of doubt. One translation used the word “Toile”
How frustrated would you be if you have been trying to do something for a very long time and you were unsuccessful and someone comes along and tells try it one more time?
Peter’s/ others mood possible excuses
- "I worked all night and I'm tired."
- "I know a lot more about fishing than some carpenter."
- "The best fishing is at night, not in the day time."
- "All these crowds and loud teaching has scared the fish away."
- "We already washed our nets."
- "Jesus may know religion but He doesn't know fishing."
Despite all of that Peter had tremendous faith/respect for Jesus and he listened to him. And it was an excellent choice! Peter was rewarded. Sometimes things work out this way in our lives. When we stand up for Jesus/ have faith/shine the light we are rewarded. Our motives must be to truly work for Christ and not to focus on the reward because sometimes we don’t see a reward or maybe it will be after we are dead.
How was Peters response? Peter said he was a sinner Why? This can tell us that Peter was doubting.
Notice that peter fell at Jesus knee’s and this happened after these guys have spent some time with Jesus which tells us how in awe peter felt about this miracle.
This event has changed these guys life’s, they are now convinced, Jesus tells them that you’ll be catching men from now on. Their response was? They pulled their boats up and followed whole hardly.
The most amazing thing about this story is that Jesus Chose ordinary men. They did not have any degree in old testament, nor did they have the best reputation. They were Fisherman who earned a living through a tough job. Jesus performs many miracles in the bible but we shouldn’t overlook that he can work miracles in our lives. Jesus can use us in a way that would glorify him we just need to allow him.
If you enjoy studies like this please leave a comment/upvote and I will gladly do more, I believe there is an incredible amount of power in studying the word of God.
In His Name
Some information was collected from
Biblegateway.com
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Luk/Luk-5.cfm?a=978001
https://www.google.ca/search?
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