They Forsook All

Luke 5:1-11,”1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

I’ve read this passage many times, probably even taught it more than once. This morning, the account came alive to me. Consider the following:

• In chapter 4, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law. (In Luke - first mention of Peter.) Jesus cares for Peter’s hurting family member. Jesus showed compassion to him.
• Jesus requests Peter’s boat to go out on the water when the crowds are growing on shore.
• Jesus commands Peter to go back out to fish after He finished teaching. This command doesn’t make sense as they have fished all night with no success.
• Peter obeys although the command seems foolishness to him. He obeyed.
• Peter brings in so many fish that 2 boats begin to sink.
• Peter worships and realizes his unworthiness as He sees God’s power. He tells Jesus to depart from his unworthiness. When we truly get a glimpse of who Jesus is - His power and purity, we are overcome with how unworthy we are! We don’t even deserve to be in His presence.
• Jesus does not reject him. JESUS does NOT reject him! Oh, the love that Jesus has for us! This astounded me. Jesus loves us despite our complete unworthiness. Jesus doesn’t leave Peter. Instead, He beckons Peter to follow Him, to serve Him! (Notice, Peter now has a choice to follow.
• They (Peter, James, John) bring the boats to land, forsook all (even the amazing bounty of fish) and followed Him! I’d never thought about the fact that they left all those fish before. Wow!
• Being in Christ’s presence was greater than the amazing material blessing Christ had just given!!!

How do I value Christ? Am I willing to forsake all for Him?