Luke 5:1-11 comments: Peter, James, and John called

Luke 5:1 ¶  And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2  And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3  And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5  And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6  And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7  And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8  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 was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10  And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11  And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

It is impressive to hear how the people pressed upon Christ to hear Him preach the word of God, which at that time consisted only of what we call the Old Testament. I visited a church in Pensacola, Florida on several occasions where people would literally stand in line for an hour or more to get in to hear good preaching. It is not a usual occurrence in America in this era although I have heard of such things in Africa and Asia.

The word of God is very important to Him and should be to us.

Psalm 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

John 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

But, what is the word of God? Is a preacher’s opinion or political and social views the word of God? Or is it what is preserved for us in the text we have, in the context in which it is written, the word of God? Like the Bereans you should search the Scriptures to see if a thing you are told is true.

Acts 17:10 ¶  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

God has selected these rough commercial fishermen for a purpose that He did not use princes, the wealthy, or the educated for. He teaches them a lesson about fishing for men as they are chosen to further His message to their people and to the world.

Habbakuk 1:14a  And makest men as the fishes of the sea,

They leave their fishing employment and follow Jesus. It is important to note that Christ’s immediate mission is to the lost sheep of the house of Israel as stated in Matthew 10:6 and 15:24 and context. The expansion of this mission to the world is a process revealed in Acts and in the rest of the New Testament.

Another thing that comes to mind about this passage is the parallel to our own efforts. We can work all night in a manner of speaking to win lost souls to Christ but it is only with His power and direction that we can be successful.

In the same vein we can toil in the night that came on the world when Christ, who is the Light of the world, left.

John 9:4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Romans 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

But, we await His return for all things to be completed and revealed.

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Revelation 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.