“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.” Luke 5.6-11
Jesus was teaching by the Sea of Galilee. Crowds were pressing in. He needed a stage and a little separation so people could hear and see Him better. He asked to get into Simon Peter’s boat. After preaching, He asked Peter to go fishing. Peter hesitated, questioned Jesus, but went out anyway. And that is where we are right now.
The boats are going out again, even though they had been fishing all night. We know if Jesus asks, we should go without hesitation. We’ve read ahead; we know the story. But Peter is just now learning about Jesus. He doesn’t realize he is the one being “fished.” He is the one who will soon be caught up in the net of Jesus.
When Peter casts out the nets again, “they caught such a large number of fish their nets began to break.” They had to call the other boat to help—notice that boat remained on shore. But God’s blessing wasn’t just for Peter; it was for everyone. And even two boats’ nets weren’t enough to contain all the fish—more fish than they had ever caught before. The excitement, the thrill, the catch!
But when Peter saw the catch, “he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man.’” Then Jesus said to Peter, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” And Scripture tells us they pulled up their boats, left everything, and followed Jesus.
This is pretty incredible. Jesus knew just what to do to reel in the disciples. He spoke their very language and caught them as powerfully as they had caught fish that night. They were now on a mission with Him to rescue people from sin and death. Peter didn’t feel worthy; he knew Jesus was different, but Jesus invited him along anyway.
And doesn’t God do the same with us? We who are weak and frail, sinful and struggling—Jesus welcomes us along to catch others just like us.
This story is a reminder that Jesus uses the weak to draw the weak. No matter who we are, when Christ invites us along, we are in it for eternity.
“O Lord God, thank You for winning us over. Thank You for not leaving us abandoned or alone. You draw all people to Yourself. Help us to hear Your voice and respond. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. I glorify You and thank You for allowing me to walk by Your side as You redeem humanity, for You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.