Luke 5:1-11
Verse 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
Our passage for today takes us back to the beginning of Jesus ministry but it holds a special point that will help us understand more deeply what we will be studying as we go further into how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies given generations before.
We find Jesus already being surrounded by those that were hungry to hear what He said. This was before He had His faithful disciples. But we can guess that even though Simon (later known as Peter) was working on his nets, he was likely hearing Jesus preach and was learning just as everyone else that was truly listening. So when Jesus asked to use Simon’s boat, the fisherman was happy to oblige. Teaching while on the water would have helped Jesus’ voice carry further and would have allowed all to see Him well as teachers sat down to teach.
We need to remember that Simon would have been tired after fishing all night. And like most of us after a long shift likely just wanted to go home and rest, but there was something about Jesus that intrigued Simon. But when Jesus finished talking and told Simon to go out deep to let down the nets Simon Peter couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He tells Jesus that they had been out all night and hadn’t caught a single fish but notice the rest of his response, “But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” From hearing Jesus to accepting direction from Him didn’t take much time for this fisherman.
Simon’s obedience gives Jesus an opportunity to reveal the truth about Himself to Simon Peter and his partners in the fishing industry. Jesus didn’t tell the crowds to stick around to see what He was about to do, this was a miracle to show these fishermen who He was. Of the four fishermen in the boat and boat of partners that come to the rescue, three become Jesus’ closest friends. This miracle really was the starting of something amazing.
If the story ended with the giant haul of fish it would still be a good example of Jesus and His power, as well as being the fulfillment of a prophecy but there was more to this moment. Simon Peter’s reaction to this miracle wasn’t about the miracle or what it meant for his business, it was about Jesus and what he now knew about Jesus, He was not a regular man. He can’t help but fall at Jesus’ feet and declare his sinfulness and therefore his unworthiness to be in Christ’s presence. Repentance was the only correct response.
Making It Personal
Does seeing Jesus’ power bring you to see your sin in a new light? Does knowing His godliness cause you to repent of your sinfulness? How powerful is His influence in your life?
Making It Personal Kids
Does knowing that Jesus never sinned make you see that sin isn’t good? Does knowing that Jesus is God make you not want to sin anymore and tell Jesus that you are sorry for your sins? What do you need to apologize to Jesus for?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess that we too often take You as a mere man, You are so much more. Our hearts should be full of repentance and should bring us to our knees at Your feet. Father, please give us hearts that are soft to You and open to Your convictions so that we quickly repent. In Jesus’ name, amen.