Lk 5:1-11 – Fishers of men – sermon notes
Luke 5:1-11
Do you remember the day you became a follower of Jesus Christ?
Simon Peter would never forget this day.
1. Hearing the word of Christ
Jesus preaching by the lake – pushed back by the crowds – gets into boat, continues teaching.
Lk 4:43 – “I must preach the good news…to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
The word of Christ is ‘the word of God’, v1. Jn 7:16 – “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.”
If Jesus preached the word of God, then so should those who come after him.
2. Experiencing the power of Christ
Jesus finishes speaking – tells Peter to put out into deeper water and let nets down – Peter’s objection – huge catch
Most miracles address acute need. Peter: just one bad night’s fishing.
Symbolises evangelistic success.
Jesus’ mission is not only to save souls. It is to renew the entire creation. Gen 1:28 (“Let them rule over the fish of the sea…”). He is the son of man under whose feet God has put all things under his feet, including ‘the fish of the sea, and all that swim in the paths of the sea’ (Psa 8:8). Jesus is putting back together what Adam had undone
3. Responding to the holiness of Christ
Expect: “Wow, that’s great, thanks!”
Get: “Go away, Lord, because I’m a sinful man”
Not only a miracle but also a theophany. Isa 6:5 – “Woe to me! I am ruined…my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
The humble believer knows that s/he is not worthy to receive God’s good gifts or to serve in his kingdom. Jesus makes it clear that is precisely the person God chooses and uses.
4. Obeying the call of Christ
Expect: “Your sins are forgiven”
Get: “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men”
Left everything – even their catch of fish!
The evangelised become evangelists.
The One who speaks with all the authority of God himself; who rules the wind and the waves; who commands demons and disease, is looking for partners in his work.
Conclusion
A sudden conversion?
John 1:35-42, Peter heard John the Baptist say, “Look, the Lamb of God!” and followed Jesus. Jesus gave him the name ‘Cephas’ (Peter).
Luke 5:1-11, the present account.
Luke 6:12-16, the selection and commissioning of the Twelve, including Simon Peter.
John 21:15-25 tells of Jesus’ recommissioning of Peter after his denial.
Peter: apt to mess things up (just like us!)
So we come to the Lord’s table: not because we can necessarily remember the day of our conversion, but because we believe that we have life in Christ; not because our journey is smooth, but because it is often bumpy; not because we are strong and self-sufficient, but because we are weak and needy; not simply to receive a first-class ticket to heaven, but so that we can walk with Jesus all the days of our lives, working alongside him in his fishing business.