Luke 5:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 5Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, Verse 2he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Verse 3He 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. Verse 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Verse 5Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." Verse 6When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. Verse 7So 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. Verse 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Verse 9For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; Verse 10and 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." Verse 11When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Devotion
When I was a little girl, my grandpa took me fishing. It was fascinating for a mere 15 minutes at a time, depending upon if and when I actually caught a fish. I can only imagine how tired and frustrated Simon and friends were after being out all night and not catching a thing! I often wonder what it was about Jesus that made them believe they should follow him, other than the fact that when he told them to drop their nets they filled to capacity and almost tipped the boats! What did they sense or know about Jesus that warranted the disciples' leaving everything and following him? Most of us are so cynical and suspicious nowadays, I doubt we would surrender ourselves to a traveling miracle-worker ... would we?
Prayer
Open our hearts to follow you freely and fully without suspicion or cynicism. Amen.