Luke 5:1-11 teaches us that Jesus speaks and is the Word of God, and he calls us to hear his word and become his disciples.

First, Jesus speaks the Word of God and we should be eager to hear, believe, and obey his Word. Jesus is a prophet (Luke 4:16-30) and Rabbi (Teacher) with great authority (4:36-37, 42-44). The crowds are eager to hear so they are “pressing in on him to hear the Word of God” (5:1). Peter was exhausted from a fruitless night (5:5). He probably reasoned that a carpenter’s advice about daylight fishing wasn’t likely to work (5:2). Yet he says “but at your word, I will let down the nets” (5:5). We must believe God’s word – even over our experience or reason. Jesus is eager to obey God’s Word (4:43, John 5:19, 12:49), as are Peter, James, and John when they “[leave] everything to follow Him” (5:11). 

In v.6-7, the passage explodes with deeper revelation about Jesus as Simon’s nets are filled to overflowing. Who commands these fish? The one who made the sea swarm and teem with creatures innumerable (Gen 1:20, Ps 104:25). Jesus is much more than a prophet. He is the Lord (v. 8).

This sudden revelation of Jesus, the Lord, leads to a terrifying realization: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” God is holy. We are sinful and hopeless apart from Christ. So, God brings us low in order to lift us up by the Gospel. Jesus came to die for sins (1 Cor 15:3) so that he can say to us: Do not be afraid (v. 10).

With this word of grace comes also a call to follow him. Peter will be “catching men” (v. 10) from now on, and God calls us in our vocations (parent, boss, employee, student, neighbor, etc.) and whatever we do (Col 3:23-24) to “catch men” with the Word.

Taking it Home: Are you eager to hear, believe, and obey the Word of God? How does this message “Do not fear” strengthen your faith and various vocations?

Discussion Question: How would you have reacted if you were in the boat with Jesus?