The First Disciples March 24

Luke 5:4-11

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Jesus travels down to the Sea of Galilee where Peter and his crew are. The crowds are so huge that Jesus gets into Peter’s boat and gives His sermon. Imagine the quiet hush of a large crowd so intent on hearing the spoken word of God, the crystal-clear water lapping against the shore.

Jesus must have been so excited! Knowing that today Peter would join His ministry. Many people can relate to listening to a life changing sermon, the one that turns your world upside down and changes the course of your eternity. The Holy Spirit orchestrates this with every person that comes to the Lord, a comment here, an act of kindness there, a miracle from God and you’re in! The whole time Jesus knowing that today is your day! And suddenly out of conviction you fall before His knees in the realization that He is so good and we’re not.

Jesus starts off preaching a commanding sermon, captivating everyone. When He’s finished, He tells Peter to launch out into the deep waters and let the net down. Peter by listening to the spoken word has a certain knowledge of the Lord, a level of respect. Many people live at this level, going to church, following the rules kind of a sacrifice to the Lord. Here is how we can tell; Peter used the word “Master” which means ‘Teacher.’ Peter has respect for Jesus, but at this point, he does not know who He is.

But Peter does know fishing, the max depth of the sea of Galilee is about 141’, the water is truly clear and during the day the fish will go deep, this is one of the reasons why they fished at night. Pulling in a net from 100 foot of water is a lot of work. It’s like the first time you pray for someone, you do it out of service to God not thinking your worthy to be used by God, then God shows up! God will owe no man, so he paid the rental for the boat. No one ever thinks that because things are not working out for you in your job that maybe Jesus wanted a clean boat that day, God had a greater purpose for them not catching any fish that night.

Peter didn’t fall down until after the fish were caught and, in the boat, Peter’s worldly way of work was done. Two miracles took place at this moment, the fish and Peter’s conversion. Peter’s respect has gone from Teacher to Lord, which means Supreme Authority! The first words Jesus said at the moment of Peter’s conversion, “Don’t be afraid,”in effect He was saying ‘I can use you,’ God can still use you, and it is never too late to do something for the Lord.

He is: Or Goyim

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