No doubt Peter and his fellow fishermen often sailed in from a night’s fishing as the sun came up across the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps they saw “Dancing Diamonds.” (See last week’s post.)

These fishermen had loosely been followers of Jesus. They had heard his teachings and saw a few miracles, but they were still washing nets and going about their other fishing duties. This day was different, however. The crowd had gathered around Jesus to hear more of his teachings, but on this day, Jesus had a better idea.

2 (Jesus) saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. Luke 5:2-3

 Note that at this early time, Peter is still referred to as Simon. I picture Simon Peter, along with his brother, Andrew, sitting in the back of the boat, methodically knotting a few broken places in their nets as they idly listen to Jesus.

4 When (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4

I can see Peter looking up with a start; his mind kicking into full gear. What? Are you talking to me? Let down the nets? Now?

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. (pause and reluctant sigh) But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5

So the brothers gather up the heavy nets, still wet from the night’s fishing, and toss them into the sea.

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. Luke 5:6

Allow me to put a freeze frame on this energetic, bustling scene for a moment. You see, this passage is usually preached with the intent of showing Jesus’ conclusion that “from now on you will be fishers of men” rather than fishers of fish. Of course that is absolutely true. But today, I want you to focus on Peter’s reaction. It is one thing to hear Jesus’ words of truth in fresh new ways and it is really something to see a possessed man or a lame man healed. But when a miraculous event touches your own life, in your own language (fishing); then it gets quite personal.

So what was Peter’s reaction? Was he grateful to have a good catch? Was he amazed after just going all night catching nothing? Or did this experience hit him in the heart with humility?

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” Luke 5:8

I am reminded of Isaiah’s reaction in the Temple when God unveils a stirring scene complete with sounds, sights, smoke, and flying seraphs (angels). Isaiah cries out, “Woe is me. I am a man of unclean lips.”

Peter is acutely aware of his own sinful nature in the presence of holiness. It is a defining moment. He will be ready to leave his nets and fully follow Jesus.

You and I may not have had such a dramatic experience as Peter or Isaiah, but hopefully, we can look back to a time when the Lord touched a vulnerable spot in our lives, a time when we were confronted with our own unworthiness in light of His love and grace to us. Meditate on that moment in your quiet time today, giving thanks for how He has worked and moved in you—a fitting way to proceed into this Lenten season.

 ~ Joyce ~