Sunday 9 February 2025
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon. (v. 3)
Background
Fishing and me just do not gel. I can’t think of anything less interesting: give me a choir to sing with; the opportunity for a walk in the countryside; the chance of a meal with friends; a crossword; even a familiar movie to watch... But fishing – no thank you.
But so much of the gospel and ministry of Jesus is bound up with fisherfolk and their analogies that I have to at least try to understand something of the fisherman’s mind and life.
Congratulations to Luke for bringing his readers exclusive coverage of this great story. Jesus had attracted a crowd eager to hear the word of God. When the word of God is spoken with clarity, passion and conviction, it always draws a crowd. Gennesaret, the Sea of Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee are three names used for one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Situated 680 feet below sea level, it is called Lake Kinneret by the Israelis today. Jesus noticed two boats along the seashore. Luke used the word ploiarion, meaning 'a little boat'. The fishermen were washing their nets to remove debris, lake grass and perhaps an odd sandal or two that they had dragged up! Did Jesus pick the boat nearest him or did he particularly choose Peter’s boat for his floating platform? [Note: Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter.]
As soon as Jesus sat down, a hush came over the crowd because that was the sign given by all rabbis before they began to teach. Jesus always had a compelling story to tell and the crowd pressed in to listen to him. When the sermon was over, Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Let’s go fishing!” His actual words were: “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” (v. 4)
It is interesting to me that Jesus fished in the same clothes in which he preached. There is a powerful lesson in his example. He did not have one look for work and another look for church.
Peter had no problem with Jesus using his boat for a pulpit but, when Jesus wanted to use his boat for fishing, Peter had a problem. He said words to the effect: “Jesus, you stick with preaching and let us handle the fishing.” But Jesus wanted Peter to see that his means of earning a living could also be a means of sharing the gospel.
In other words all that we are and do is nothing without Christ’s leading.
Listen:
‘Empty page’ written and sung by Paul Field.
To Ponder:
- What are you ready to offer to the Lord for kingdom use?
- How better can we allow our faith to be obvious in our everyday life?
- How do you listen for the prompt of Jesus to ‘let down your nets’, as it were? What does that mean for you?
Prayer
Lord of everyday life, work, rest and pleasure, teach me to be ready for you. Help me to ‘hear’ your call and make me more willing to do what you would have me do. Thus you may be seen the more clearly through all I do, think and say. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fyall
The Revd Andy Fyall is Chair of the Nottingham and Derby Methodist District.