“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we read this account of Jesus’ call to the fishermen brothers to follow Him, it sounds quite ordinary on the surface. An itinerant preacher watches some guys fishing fruitlessly, pulling in their boat, dejected, because, after a night’s work, they came back empty handed. This meant another day without income, with families to feed, no bread on the table. 

However…then, the tale takes a twist.  A rabbi, of all people, who knew nothing about fishing, tells them to go back and try again! Why should they listen to Him? There was something about Him, something in His voice that commanded attention. So they turned tail and moved back into deep water. What was empty space a few minutes ago became a boiling sea of fish…such a huge catch that the nets began to tear. They yelled for help from others fishing in a boat nearby.  They were soon back on shore with their magnificent catch, both boats groaning under the load and dangerously close to sinking. 

Peter was deeply moved. Something much deeper than a record haul of fish had touched him. Never had anything so outrageously miraculous ever happened to him. He was a seasoned fisherman who knew the Galilean lake like the back of his hand. He had no idea that there were schools of fish that big and…to crown it all, it had happened when a rabbi had issued instructions. How did He know they were there? 

Grabbing his cloak, Peter tumbled out of the boat, scrambled to the shore, and fell down at Jesus’ feet. “Master,” he panted, “please move away from me. I am so tainted that I can’t even be near to you.”

Jesus looked into Peter’s face, His eyes engaging the expression of agony on the face of the man kneeling before Him. “Don’t be afraid, Peter,” He said. “Follow me and I’ll teach you how to fish for people!” 

Miraculous catch of fish or not, these young Jewish men instantly turned their backs on their boats, their fish, and their rugged life of fishing and, without a backward glance, they walked away from the lake in the company of Jesus. 

How did this happen, all in the space of a short time?

To be continued…