Journey: Religion versus Relationships

Read Luke 5:1-11

Luke recounts Jesus’ call to Simon Peter to follow Him in this passage. Jesus’ teaching drew a crowd at Gennesaret, connected to the Sea of Galilee. The people pressed in closer so they could hear. What was Jesus talking about (5:1)? As the crowd got bigger, what did Jesus do so that more people could listen to Him (5:2-3)?

What did Jesus ask Simon to do after He finished speaking? How did Peter respond (5:5)? It might seem like this was the first meeting between Peter and Jesus, but look back at Luke 4:38-39. Peter knew firsthand about Jesus and the power of His words and thus addressed Him with respect. Peter had a practical reason for not putting out into deep water and letting down their nets. However, when Peter says, “because you say so,” we can glimpse some faith. How did Jesus reward Peter’s faith (5:6-7)? 

How did Simon Peter respond to what Jesus had done (5:8)? What did Peter’s posture of humility convey about what He thought about Jesus? Why do you think Peter mentioned his sinful state at this point? How does Jesus respond (5:10b)? What was His call to Peter? Verse 11 shows the firstfruits of Peter’s calling. Because of Jesus’ interaction with Peter, who left everything and followed Him (5:11)? Do you think Peter encouraged the others to follow Jesus?

Count how many times Simon’s name appears in Luke 5:1-11. What other names do you see? It’s important to remember that Luke is recounting events as they were remembered by the people there. These eyewitness accounts are full of details and life. Because we have read the rest of Luke’s writings, we know that Simon is Peter, the same apostle who became the leader of the Christ-followers. Are there people in your life that show Christian potential? Write down their names and ask God for ways you can encourage them.

Do you remember the place where you were when you first encountered Jesus? What were the circumstances? Who helped lead you to Christ? Your story is just as important as Peter’s. As you continue your journey to the cross during this season of Lent, record your own story by writing it down. How are you like Peter? How are you different? What do you think Jesus saw in Peter? Do you think Peter saw these things in himself? 

Did you notice that Jesus did not disqualify Peter from his mission because He was sinful? Do you sometimes think you should be disqualified from the things God has called you to do because of sin in your life? There is a difference between acknowledging and confessing our sin to God and allowing our past failures to immobilize us. Peter was right to say that he was not worthy to stand in the presence of Jesus’ holiness. Paul writes about this truth in Romans 3:23, stating that all have sinned and fall short of God’s standard. Deep down, we are aware that there is nothing we can do to deserve God’s favor. But, there is good news. God has extended a gift: eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). We can only marvel at His great love because God sent His Son to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Our response is to confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead and be saved (Romans 10:9-10). We can then have peace with God (Romans 5:1) and know that there is no condemnation for us because we belong to Jesus (Romans 8:1). Not only this, we can be confident that nothing will ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Read these verses from Romans and meditate upon them. Who in your life needs to hear these truths and receive the gift of salvation through Jesus? 

Simon Peter is a prototype for all followers of Jesus. Fishing for people means relating to others and helping them meet Jesus. Peter was a fisherman, so Jesus used the metaphor of fishing. You might not like to fish, but why not use your imagination to think about what makes a person good at fishing. We can agree that fishing takes preparation and patience. You have to learn about the fish you want to catch and think about getting their attention. Then, you have to be ready to act when the time is right. These are good qualities for communicating the good news about Jesus with the people in your life. Most people who fish would probably say this: the most important requisite for being good at fishing is to love to fish! The rest will follow. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a desire to share the gospel with others. When He answers your prayer (and He will!), get ready to become an avid “fisherman” for people. 

*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible.