Today we will be reading from Luke chapter 5 verses 1-14. Our story begins with Jesus preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Lots of people were there to listen to Him! It was super crowded, so Jesus stepped into a fishing boat that was on the edge of the water. He asked the boat’s owner, Simon, to push the boat out into the water. Jesus sat down and taught the people from there. When Jesus finished teaching, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon hadn’t had any luck but he let down his nets because Jesus said to!
This time when Simon pulled his nets out of the water, they were full of fish— so full that the nets began to tear! They had to call for help from another boat. Soon, both boats were so full of fish that they were on the verge of sinking! When Simon saw what Jesus did, he fell to his knees before Jesus. Simon’s fishing partners, James and John, were also amazed. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you’ll fish for people.” And as soon as they reached the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus!
This passage is important because we see Jesus work a miracle and teach His disciples what their lives will look like as fishers of people. What does it mean to be a fisher of people? It means that they will be the ones to go out and tell others about Jesus. Just as they brought fish into their boats, they would be bringing people to know and have a relationship with God. Jesus wants us to be fishers of people, too. He wants us to tell others about Jesus so they can know, love, and follow Him as well!
Prayer: God, We love You! Help us be faithful to be fishers of people and tell others about You! We want to bring others to have a relationship with You! Thank you for Your love! In Jesus’ name, Amen.