Gospel
Luke 5:1-11
1 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” 9 For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, 10 and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
Historical Background
The event occurs at the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee), a hub of fishing and commerce in first-century Galilee. Jesus uses Simon Peter’s boat as a pulpit, teaching the crowd from the water.
Fishing was labor-intensive and often done at night. Peter and his companions had toiled all night without success—making Jesus’ daytime command to cast the nets again counterintuitive.
Unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke places this call after Jesus has already demonstrated His authority through teaching and miracles. This positions the disciples’ response as one of informed surrender, not blind impulse.
Theological Context
Jesus speaks the Word of God not merely about God. His command to cast the nets is a test of faith, revealing His divine power.
Peter’s response—“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”—echoes Isaiah’s reaction to God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:5). It’s a moment of conviction and humility. Jesus doesn’t reject Peter’s confession but reorients his life: “From now on you will catch men.” This is a commissioning—an invitation to join the mission of redemption.
Wesleyan Echoes: The passage reflects prevenient grace (God drawing people), justifying grace (Peter’s obedience despite doubt), and sanctifying grace (his transformation into a disciple).
Learning Lessons
Faith often requires surrendering our “expertise” to divine wisdom. Awareness of sin isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of transformation and purpose. True discipleship involves radical trust and relinquishing personal security. God’s blessings often exceed our expectations and spill into others’ lives.
Hearts for Heaven Shore
We cast our nets in weary seas,
Where toil had brought no gain,
But You, O Lord, spoke mystery—
And filled our boats with rain.
Not rain of storm, but fish in flight,
A bounty from Your hand,
And in that flood of holy might,
We saw Your love expand.
I knelt in awe, a sinful soul,
Unworthy of Your grace,
Yet You, with eyes that made me whole,
Called me to take my place.
No longer nets for fish alone,
But hearts for heaven’s shore,
You turned my fear to cornerstone—
And I will doubt no more.
Lord Jesus,
You stepped into my boat when I had nothing to offer. You spoke into my emptiness and filled it with abundance. You saw past my failures and called me to follow.
I confess my sinfulness, my doubts, my pride— yet You do not turn away. You invite me deeper. Teach me to trust Your voice above my own understanding. Help me cast my nets where You lead, and leave behind all that keeps me from Your call. Make me a fisher of souls, a bearer of grace, a disciple who follows You into the deep.
Amen.
Pericope:
IV: The Ministry in Galilee
THE CALL OF SIMON THE FISHERMAN
Luke 5:1-11
Gospel Acclamation
Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
