Peter, Fisher of Men (Luke 5:1-11)

This next section of the Galilean ministry of Jesus will see Him gather a special group of followers. (5:1-6:16) In the first story of this section, Luke tells us about Peter and his decision to follow Jesus.

Jesus is teaching as we have already seen Him do. This time He is not in a synagogue, but by the Sea of Galilea (also known as the Lake of Gennesaret). The crowds are so large and dense, that Jesus gets on a boat belonging to Peter (and Andrew). James and John are also there with their boat, as they partnered with Peter and Andrew. We have other accounts of the early interactions between these men and Jesus in the Gospel of John. However, this is a key moment, particularly in the life of Peter.

After Jesus is finished teaching, He tells Peter that they should head back out into the lake to fish. Peter has a remarkable response. First, he tells Jesus—a carpenter and spiritual teacher, not a fisherman—that they have been at it all night and caught nothing. He goes on to say, though, that because it is Jesus asking, they will try.

When they do, they catch a load of fish like they have never seen. It threatens to tear their nets, so the get James and John to come help. Even with two boats, the load fills them up to such an extent that the boats are in danger of sinking. This is a huge blessing. Just think about the windfall of money this will mean for these fishermen.

Peter’s response is, again, noteworthy:

He tells Jesus to leave, because he is unworthy to have Jesus around.

Peter recognizes that he is a sinner, while Jesus is holy.

He calls Jesus “Lord.” Earlier, he had respectfully called Jesus, “Master” something similar to what we see in other passages where Jesus is called Rabbi. However, here Peter seems to be recognizing that Jesus is so much more than a teacher.

Jesus instead tells Peter (and the others) that they will be rescuers of men. He offers them a different life, a place under His teaching, and a mission in His kingdom. When the men get back to the shore with their all-time-greatest-catch, they leave the life of fishing behind and become students—disciples of Jesus.

This is a good encapsulation of what it means to be a Christian. We recognize our position as sinners and unworthy of a friendship with God. We recognize Jesus as the Lord of our life, and He offers us a new way to live and a mission in His kingdom.