Jesus met Simon Peter right where he was at; his fishing boat and his nets. Simon and his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were likely disheartened after an all nighter out on the sea with nothing to show for it.
But Jesus was after a different kind of 'fish' and asked to use Simon's boat as a pulpit, of all things! Actually, Jesus didn't ask, He just stepped into Simon's boat and told him
"to put out a little from the land" (vs 3).
This was kinda right in Simon's face. But of course, Simon had the option to put out or not. However, he seemed willing enough to oblige and then Jesus could more easily preach to the crowd upon the seashore.
I think we sometimes need such awakenings. I picture Simon continuing to wash his nets but with his ear cocked, listening to Jesus' words.
Subtle, but effective method of teaching, don't you think? There are times I'd like to take a believer-in-Jesus friend to say, a coffee shop, and talk about Jesus. I speak a little louder than necessary, just enough to be heard at the next tables and I'd ask something like, "OK, you say Jesus is your best friend, how did that happen? Why is He so good to you?" Or some such questions that as my friend answers, others may overhear and even while they sip and sup their tea or coffee and their food, they could hear the message of Jesus explained. That would be a coffee shop pulpit.
Anyway, Jesus paid His pulpit renting dues, again right where Simon Peter would be most impacted. Skeptically, he moves out to the deeper waters and
"let down [his] nets for a catch" (vs 4).
Lo and behold, they ...
"... enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking" (vs 5)!
He had to call his partners James and John to the rescue. They could hear, I imagine, Jesus chuckling. Simon Peter though, was struck as if by lightning. He falls on his knees before Jesus and admits he's a sinful man.
Jesus then tells Simon,
"Do not be afraid: from now on you will be catcing men" (vs 10).
Jesus commissioned Simon Peter for his life's purposeful work. When we read the rest of the story and into the book of Acts and even Peter's writings we see he fulfilled that purpose.
It would be good to stop and reflect. Have we been impacted and/or struck in a highly significant manner similar to Peter's experience? Or maybe it was the "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit nudging, convicting and challenging us. How will we respond?
Let's have our ears cocked for the Holy Spirit's guidance, ready to listen and take obedient action despite any misgivings we may have. Don't be afraid.
~ ERC August 2025 ~
Based on Luke 5:1-11 ESV.
Sing, Fishers of Men, along with Believe.
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