Pray
Read Luke 5:1
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God.
Why did the crowds love Jesus?
Today, why are people attracted to Jesus?
Read Luke 5:2-4
2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
What were these fishermen doing?
Why do you think Jesus shows up at what seems to be an inopportune time?
What are some ways that people respond to the interruption of Jesus?
How do we respond when Jesus asks us to do something we don’t want to do or don’t feel comfortable doing?
Talk about a time when you felt God asked you to do something, but the timing seemed difficult. How did you respond?
Read Luke 5:5
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
What does it reveal about Simon when he calls Jesus, master?
Have you ever had someone less experienced or skilled try and give you advice?
How does it make you feel to receive this type of advice? What do you feel like telling them?
Why does Peter respond with obedience?
What did he learn?
Read Luke 5:6-7
6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
What do you think was going through Peter and his fishermen friend’s minds?
What do you think the crowds were thinking?
When were you last surprised by God?
Are you able to trust God for something that is too big for you to accomplish?
Read Luke 5:8
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.”
What just happened to Peter’s vantage point?
Why did Peter respond this way? Why did he say what he said?
What was so important about this moment for Peter?
Read Luke 5:9-10
9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
What does their amazement reveal?
Read Luke 5:11
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Why did Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid”?
Why is fear the normal response when man encounters the glory of God?
What is this new purpose that Jesus is giving this fisherman? Is this mission specific to Peter or does it apply to others?
Jesus had a few encounters with Peter prior to this moment. He healed Peter’s mother in-law. Peter told his friends that he had found the Messiah. So what happened that made this moment so different that the disciples responded by leaving everything?
Think on This…
When is the last time you asked God to bring you into a place of awe with what He can do? What is the first step He is asking you to take?
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