Jesus was preaching on the shores of Galilee. Crowds surrounded him, wanting to hear the word of God. But while Jesus preached, he had his eye on three fishermen, who had just come in from a long night of work. Their names were Simon, James, and John.
I wonder what went through Jesus' mind when he saw these men. They were just fishermen. But did Jesus look at them and see all that was to come? Did he know that these men would be his disciples? That he would love them, train them, and use them to build his everlasting Church? Did Jesus know in that moment, they would partake in writing the Holy scriptures? Did he know these men would die as martyrs for his sake? If Jesus knew all these things that day on the shores of Galilee, I can imagine that when he looked at these men, his heart was filled with sincere love and compassion for them. For all that he would invest in them. For everything they would offer the world. For their very lives that would be taken from them.
Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,
its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught
the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught
the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
“Master,”
Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night
and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat,
and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees
before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much
of a sinner to be around you.” For he was awestruck by the number
of fish they had caught, as were the others with him.
and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat,
and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees
before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much
of a sinner to be around you.” For he was awestruck by the number
of fish they had caught, as were the others with him.
Luke 5:3-9
Jesus' respond to them: "Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be fishers of men."
I often wonder what Jesus sees when he looks at us; his children on Earth, going about our day. I see a sweet baby sleeping in a car seat. Jesus sees a child who will grow, and one day give up a successful career to serve overseas. I see a woman behind the counter. Jesus sees his beloved, who is leaning fully on him while her world is crashing down. I see an old man's photo in an obituary. Jesus sees a spitfire who was faithful and godly, unashamed to share the gospel with anyone who would listen. And now, he wears the crown of life.
Jesus sees us. All of us. He knows how God is going to use us, and how we will bring him glory. He knows what we will be asked to sacrifice, what troubles we will face, and the cost we will pay to pick up our cross. The love and compassion Jesus felt for three fisherman in Galilee is the same love and compassion Jesus feels when he looks at his Church today. And the power that miraculously filled two boats overflowing with fish is the power behind us as well.
Questions to ponder this week:
1. What does Jesus see in your life/faith that fills His heart with love and compassion?
2. How are you obeying Jesus' calling to be a fisher of men?
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