In Luke 5:1-11, we read about a critical moment in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus goes fishing with Peter and convinces him to begin following him on a full-time basis. This text provides background for Mark 1:18 and Matthew 4:20. Peter did not quit his job to start following someone he knew nothing about. He had already heard Jesus’ teaching numerous times and had seen him perform miracles. But what happens in Luke 5:1-11 convinced him to become a disciple.
What can we learn about discipleship when fishing with Jesus and Peter on the Sea of Galilee?
Discipleship involves coming to Jesus with flaws.
- Peter is a deeply flawed man. He denies Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). He wavers in his faith (Matthew 14:22-31). He says foolish things (Matthew 16:22-23).
- Jesus still chose him! Jesus still called him to discipleship. He also gives us the same call (Luke 5:30-32). If we are willing to repent and pledge our allegiance to God, Jesus will accept and allow us to be His disciples!
Discipleship involves obeying Jesus when it doesn’t make sense.
- Jesus has become very popular by this time (Luke 5:1). Crowds are “pressing” Him near the Sea of Galilee. He jumps into Peter’s boat and uses it as a pulpit (Luke 5:2-3).
- Peter is a commercial fisherman. This was extremely hard work in ancient times. When Peter met Jesus, he had finished and was cleaning his nets. Jesus told him to go back out and lay out his nets for a catch (Luke 5:4-5). While this commandment doesn’t make much sense to Peter, he obeys it.
- The results were amazing (Luke 5:6-7). Following Jesus involves doing what He says even if we don’t fully understand why He is telling us to do it.
- We must remember this when we struggle with obeying difficult commandments (Mark 16:16; 5:11, 43; John 4:24).
Discipleship involves humility.
- Humility is necessary to find favor with God (Luke 18:13-14).
- Peter was humble before Jesus (Luke 5:8-9). He was reverent, in awe, and willing to acknowledge his sins before the Lord.
- Are we humble? Are we willing to acknowledge our sins and need for forgiveness through Jesus?
Discipleship involves sharing in the work of Jesus.
- After Peter acknowledges his sin, the Lord doesn’t turn him away from His presence. Instead, Jesus invites Peter to join in the work of proclaiming the gospel (Luke 5:10. This was an amazing privilege!
- We also have been invited to share the work of Jesus (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 4:7). Have we accepted the invitation?
- Once we begin appreciating how much of a privilege the invitation is, we will be more motivated to do the work.
Discipleship involves sacrifice.
- Peter left everything to begin following Jesus (Luke 5:11).
- We have been called to leave behind a life of sin before following Jesus!
- We cannot hold on to the things of Satan while attempting to serve the King of Kings!
Conclusion:
Are you a disciple?