What Jesus Did : Luke 5:8-11 - Useful to the Master!

    by Phil Ware

    Useful to the Master! - Luke 5:8-11

    The fishermen were all amazed at the many fish they caught. When Simon Peter saw this, he bowed down before Jesus and said, "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!" James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were amazed too. (James and John worked together with Simon.) Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on you will work to gather people, {not fish}!" The men brought their boats to the shore. They left everything and followed Jesus. (ERV) Full Text

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    Key Thought

    Nothing prepares the way for the Messiah's work better than humility. We saw that principle clearly demonstrated in the life of John the Baptist. In this encounter, we see humility demonstrated from an unlikely source, Simon Peter. However, Peter recognized he was in the presence of greatness when he was in the presence of Jesus. Compared to Jesus, Peter knew he didn't come close to measuring up even on his best day. He was a sinner. He was limited. He experienced failures. He kept having his closed mind blown open by something done by someone far greater. To his credit, Peter was honest with himself when comparing himself to Jesus. Throughout his long ministry, Peter would have to learn the lesson time and time again; he was most valuable to the Master when he served out of a genuine humility.


    Today's Prayer

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    Father, humble me gently and help me correctly evaluate myself in light of Jesus' glory, grace, and character. I am a sinner. I am thankful, dear Father, that you have saved this sinner by your grace and have given me a place to serve you. Please forgive, repair, and equip me for your service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


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    Today's Verses in Context


    Jesus stood beside Lake Gennesaret (Galilee). Many people pushed to get all around him. They wanted to hear the teachings of God. Jesus saw two boats at the shore of the lake. The fishermen were washing their nets. Jesus got into the boat that belonged to Simon. Jesus asked Simon to push off a little from the shore. Then Jesus sat down in the boat and taught the people on the shore. Jesus finished speaking. He said to Simon, “Take the boat into the deep water. If all of you will put your nets into the water, you will catch some fish.” Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish, but we caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water; so I will.” The fishermen put their nets into the water. Their nets became so full of fish that the nets began to break. They called to their friends in the other boat to come and help them. The friends came, and both boats were filled so full of fish that they were almost sinking. The fishermen were all amazed at the many fish they caught. When Simon Peter saw this, he bowed down before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!” James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were amazed too. (James and John worked together with Simon.) Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will work to gather people, not fish!” The men brought their boats to the shore. They left everything and followed Jesus.

    -- Luke Luke 5:1-11 (ERV)

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