The Calling of the First Disciples

Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20
     This chapter in Luke begins with a record of one of the two great fish-catching miracles in the ministry of Christ. The other great fish-catching miracle is in John 21.

1. The Request Before the Catch (Luke 5:1–3)
     The great miracle fish catch began by a request of Christ to use one of the fishing boats belonging to Peter and his fishing partners James and John.
     The cause for the request. “As the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he [Jesus] stood by the lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1). “Gennesaret” is the old name for Sea of Galilee—in the other miracle fish catch recorded in John 21, the sea is called “Tiberias” (John 21:1). The multitude listening to Christ teach were pressing so close and hard upon Him that He was in danger of being pushed into the sea, so He requested a boat in which He could get in and teach from the boat.
     The convenience for the request. “Saw two ships [boats] standing by the lake” (Luke 5:2). When we do the work of God, Divine providence often smiles upon us providing circumstances to meet our need as in this case.
     The cooperation with the request. “He entered into one of the ships … prayed … would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship” (Luke 5:3). Christ’s request was granted. Granting the request showed some devotion to Christ for at least three reasons.

• First, it was granted in spite of work. The “fishermen … were washing their nets” (Luke 5:2). Christ interrupted the work of the fishermen when He asked them to loan a boat for His teaching platform. Serving Christ requires a high priority or we will not serve Him.
• Second, it was granted in spite of weariness. “We have toiled all the night” (Luke 5:5). The fishermen were tired, but still granted Christ His request. Sometimes we must serve the Lord when we do not feel like it.
• Third, it was granted in spite of woe. “We have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing” (Luke 5:5). The owners of the boat had fished all night and caught nothing, so they would not be in the best of spirits. Yet they were asked to serve. We must serve the Lord regardless of discouragement. If we wait for every situation to be perfect before we serve the Lord, we will never serve Him.

2. The Requirements for the Catch (Luke 5:4)
     Christ rewarded the fishermen for loaning their boat. He rewarded them with a great catch of fish. But this miraculous catch of fish came with some additional requirements. The blessings of God have requirements for those who want the blessings. If we are short on Divine blessings, it just may be that we are not fulfilling the Divine requirements.
     The launching requirement. The first requirement for this miraculous fish catch was launching the boat.

• First, the where in the launching. “Launch out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). The fishermen must do more that row a few yards from shore. They must get very involved in launching. We have too many Christians and churches who are shallow-water in their efforts and then wonder why their boats are not full of blessing. Launching into the deep means all-out commitment.
• Second, the when in the launching. “Launch out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). This was not the time to fish, these seasoned fishermen were washing their nets—they fished at night. But if you want Divine blessing you not only go where God decrees but also when He decrees.
• Third, the witnesses for the launching. “Launch out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). The fishermen had to do this very unusual action before a multitude of people. If we are to witness well for the Lord, we will have to do so in front of people. God does not commend secret discipleship.

     The letting requirement. “Let down you nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4). This requirement seemed so unreasonsonable.

• First, the protest of the letting. “Simon answering said … Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing” (Luke 5:5). Peter was a veteran fisherman; he knew when to fish and where to fish. Letting the nets down now did not seem wise at all.
• Second, the promise for the letting. “For a draught” (Luke 5:4). Christ gave a promise for this letting command. God gives ample encouragement to do His commands especially when they seem contrary to human rationale.

3. The Response to the Requirement (Luke 5:5)
     Peter responded well to the requirement given by Christ. His answer to Christ’s command is most instructive.
     The Savior in the response. “Master … nevertheless at thy word” (Luke 5:5). The obedience of Peter showed great respect for Christ. Calling Jesus “Master” showed respect for Jesus Christ, and “thy” also showed honor for Christ.
     The Scripture in the response. “At thy word” (Luke 5:5). The word of God would guide Peter’s actions. We all need this attitude about the Word of God. It needs to have a very high priority in guiding our life.
     The situation in the response. “Nevertheless” (Luke 5:5). Peter did not let his adverse situation keep him from obeying Christ. Regardless of failure (“nothing”) and fatigue (“toiled all night”), Peter would “nevertheless” obey the Lord. Such was his noble response to Christ’s orders.