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

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

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." For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!" And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

— Luke 5:8-11 NLT

Key Thought

A humble servant is essential to prepare the way for the Messiah's work. We saw that principle clearly demonstrated in the life of John the Baptist. [1] A humble heart is essential for people to receive Jesus as both Lord and Messiah. In today's verses, we see humility demonstrated from an unlikely source, Simon Peter. Peter recognized that 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 Peter's long ministry, he would have to learn the lesson time and time again; he was most valuable to the Master when he served out of genuine humility.

[1] Luke 3:15-16.

Today's Prayer

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 and repair me and equip me for your service. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Move Out to Deeper Water
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, Wow, there is so much I would like to say to you about this important moment in today's verses that forever changed the lives of Peter,...."
Back at the Beginning?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Sometimes things have a way of repeating themselves. The events in the verses below occurred after My resurrection. The apostle Peter...."
Fishers of Men
Illustration of Luke 5:11
So they pulled thier boats up on shore, left everything, and followed him. - Luke 5:11
Out Fishing the Fisherman
Article by Phil Ware
What happens when Jesus confronts us in our area of strength? Phil Ware continues his series on Saved at Sea looking this week at the call of Simon Peter and the miraculous catch of fish when it shouldn't have happened unless Jesus is Lord.
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 5:8-11

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 5:8-11 NLT — "Oh, Lord, please leave me — I'm such a sinful man." —— "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Watches Over and Rescues His People'
"But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Ecclesiastes 9:4
"Life is a precious thing, and in its humblest form it is superior to death. This truth is eminently certain in spiritual things. It is better to be..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'I Come to You, God' (He. 12:22-29)
"Dear Father, I come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the city of the living God. I join with the thousands upon thousands of angels in..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Then You Will Know!' (Ek. 37:14)
"[God said through Ezekiel to the Israelites in exile,] "I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!