Wednesday, February 19, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Luke 5:1–11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. (NRSV)

Reflection

Although the other three Gospels depict the disciples as quick to accept Jesus’ invitation to follow him into ministry, I’ve always had an affinity for Luke’s extended account of the disciples being called — in no small part because I think most of us can relate to Simon Peter’s initial response! After witnessing this miraculous catch of fish, Simon Peter quickly recognizes he is in the presence of someone great, perhaps even divine. “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” he blurts out in Luke 5:8 — gripped by self-doubt and hesitation in anticipation of what Jesus’ invitation to him will be.

In his own eyes, Simon Peter is only a humble fisherman, not called to anything greater. In Jesus’ eyes, he is exactly what is needed in a disciple.

The same is true for each one of us. We, as followers of Christ, all have the capacity to witness to God’s love at work in this world — and yet most of us still feel like Simon Peter, saying, “Go away from me, Lord!” We do not see ourselves as being a good example of our faith or believe we are capable of witnessing to Christ’s ministry in our daily lives.

And yet, over and over in his ministry, Christ told the disciples — and tells us today — that the Spirit will always be with us, guiding us into becoming exactly who God asks us to be.

For that truth, we give thanks, and for that challenge to grow, we give thanks as well!

Prayer
Holy God, whenever we may feel frightened or overwhelmed by the immensity of your call to discipleship, may you remind us through your Holy Spirit that you continually are guiding us, strengthening us, and empowering us to be your people. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children, Family, and Welcoming Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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