Luke 5:1-11
Jesus is so pressed by the crowds that he needs to get into a boat and push off from shore to get some space. After teaching he turns to Simon, who is piloting the boat, and instructs him to put out into deeper water so they may fish.
Simon gives Jesus a half hearted yes. You know the kind that says “I don’t want to, but because you are the boss I will.” I am sure he is tired and really expecting nothing. I have to give him some credit though, he has been up all night working and then sat through a whole sermon.
When Simon lets down the nets he is amazed at the catch of fish and all of the sudden he realizes what is happening. He falls a Jesus’ feet and asks him to leave because of his own sinfulness. It is so similar to Isaiah’s encounter with God seated in all of his splendor and Isaiah can only say “woe is me I am ruined”. Jesus was just in the bow of a small fishing boat not on a throne, yet Peter sees Jesus for who he really is in an amazing moment of clarity.
Jesus’ response is simply “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will fish for men.” And then it happens. Peter leaves his new found fortune to live a life full of uncertainty with no promise of stability.
It really seems like all of Peter’s prayers should have been answered in this miracle of financial blessing. But then Jesus offers something different. Something better. He gives him a life and a purpose. He takes him fishing
