Peter has always been my favorite character in Scripture, so the description of his “capture” by Jesus is thrilling for me to read. Two foundational aspects of the Christian life are discussed in these verses; the absolute need for an individual to be confronted by sin and understanding the true cost of discipleship.

Let’s dig into God’s Word together and see what we can learn!!!

Luke 5.1-11

1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Describe a time when you did something “at the word of Jesus” that seemed foolish in the eyes of the world?

+ Peter saw Jesus perform several miracles, even within his own family when He healed his mother-in-law (Luke 4.38-39). Why do you think this particular miracle of the catch of the fish caused him to understand his sinful condition and caused to totally change his life by walking away from his occupation and family?

+ Peter obviously saw his need for Jesus, but then actually says to Him “depart from me”? Have you ever wanted Jesus to leave you alone? Why?

+ Can you say you have “left everything” to follow Jesus? Explain what you think those two words actually mean in relation to being a Christian?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ It is my belief from my understanding of the Gospel that coming to grips with one’s sin issue is the only thing that will produce a true conversion in faith to Jesus. Over many years, I have seen people who “became” Christian based on what they would receive or get added to their life (peace of mind, security, significance) and NONE of them show the fruits repentance in their lives today. Anyone can achieve a better life by following the teachings of Gandhi, the Dali Lama, Tony Robbins or Oprah Winfrey!! Sin is an incredibly uncomfortable subject, but we must first be diligent to understand the topic and bold in presented it, but gentleness and respect (I Peter 3.15)

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?