So they pulled their boats up on shore,
left everything and followed him. LUKE 5 v 11
The description Luke gives of Jesus meeting the fishermen and inviting them to follow Him can be seen:
o As a changing view of Christ’s place in their lives
o As a challenge to their whole way of life
Imagine yourself in charge of a film camera choosing the angles and shots for the scene. Luke provides the information:
V2. “at the water’s edge”
V3. “a little from the shore…”
V4. “Put out into deep water…”
When Jesus approached these fisherman He came by stages into their working, everyday, lives; He also came into their lives at an increasing order of commitment. First their boat, then their expertise as fishermen, and lastly their whole lives.
The disciples were there at comparative ease – washing their nets – it was a position suited to Jesus for there he could address the crowd – and there the disciples could listen to all He said – but not necessarily be committed to it. They were just onlookers.
We too may occupy that territory at the water’s edge – touché dby what goes on, busy with other matters, overhearing the words of Jesus to the multitude.
Jesus got into Peter’s boat and asked him to put out “a little from the shore”. This is a closer approach. Now Jesus asks a favour that involves Peter’s daily work and livelihood. It would not be a sacrifice – yet. Not inconsistent with the net washing. Just a little from the shore.
Suiting the Lord’s needs – and no doubt suiting Peter. It gave him some involvement without as yet total commitment. The hand trailing in the cool water …
Many seek that.
Jesus has addressed the crowd. Now He turns directly to Peter and the others. What he says is directed at rewarding their part in His activities it is true – but much more than that – it is directed at involving them.
“Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch!”
1. Jesus gives directions for life in an area where Peter and the others were experts. He is greater than they are! Just how much they are yet to learn.
2. He challenges them to obey Him rather than their own judgement.
That is why Peter responds “Master we worked hard all night…”
IT would happen again – when they are all at sea and the storm rises.
Who is this that even the winds and the waves obey Him?
So Jesus wants to become the captain of Peter’s life – and yours.
The moment they obey He transforms their experience.
The hard toil for nothing all night – becomes a sudden reward of fish
On Peter the effect was equally dramatic “Go away from me Lord, I am a sinful man”.
Like Isaiah in very different circumstances – he learns of his own sin and unworthiness.
May I use your boat?
Put out a little
Put out into deep water
Jesus approaches your life gently at first – He allows you the luxury of listening without being committed.
He then asks a little more – the use of your time – or talents in some indirect way – it doesn’t seem too much to ask.
Now He asks more
Will you trust me to issue instructions about life?
Will you put out into deep water?
More than that –
Will you “pull the boat up on shore, leave everything, and follow Him”?
He did not disappoint them – He will not disappoint you.
© David Green BD -
Mendip Methodist Circuit 2000