Calling Disciples

When one speaks of being a disciple of Jesus, some church members through the years have tried to convince me that being a disciple is different than being a Christian.  They have essentially tried to convince me that being a disciple requires more than being a Christian. 

 

However, the New Testament knows no difference between disciples and Christians.  To be one, was to be the other. 

 

As a matter of fact, the books of Acts uses the term “disciples” on 27 occasions.   All 27 occasions refer to Christians not more mature Christians.  See Acts 11:26.

 

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

 

The occasion of Luke 5:1-11 can also be found in Matthew 4 and Mark 1.  However, it is not the same event John 21.  While there are similarities, there are too many differences.

 

In Luke 5, it was mid-morning.  Peter, Andrew, James, and John had been out fishing all night, and they had caught nothing.

 

In calling it a day, they had beached their boats. They were then cleaning their nets and getting them ready for the next night.  That’s what professional fishermen did day after day and night after night.

 

In today’s text, Jesus called these men to be His disciples.  Specifically, that meant Simon Peter.  What did that mean?

 

 

1. Following Jesus can seem illogical, Luke 5:1-4.

1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.  4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 

 

In verse 1, the multitude of people had heard about Jesus’ preaching and His healing ministry.  They wanted more. 

 

Notice, in verse 1, that they understood that God was speaking.  The “word of God” doesn’t refer to our Bibles.  It refers to Jesus being God.

 

He was originally on the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret.  This body of fresh water was also known as the Sea of Galilee. 

 

Jesus saw two fishing boats that would been 20-30 feet in length.  However, at the time, they were empty because Peter and Andrew and James and John were washing their nets getting ready for the next night.

 

In order to get a better hearing, Jesus got into Simon’s boat, and asked him to put out in the water just a bit.  This would allow folks to see and hear better.

 

After He finished preaching, Jesus told Peter to do the illogical.  Why was it illogical?

 

Jesus was a carpenter by trade.  Peter was a professional fisherman.  He had fish all night.  He caught nothing.  Why would he take the word of the non-fishing carpenter?  It was illogical.

 

Following Jesus can also be illogical.  There will be times when it doesn’t make sense. 

 

For example, it may not make sense to just pray rather than taking action.  It may not make sense to give your tithe when you “need” a new car.  It may not make sense keeping yourself sexually pure when the world’s mindset is that you should never buy a car without testing driving it first. 

 

Also, consider the sermon on the mount when Jesus talked about true happiness in this life.  See Matthew 5:3-10.

 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

 

2. Following Jesus will always be worthwhile, Luke 5:5-8.

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 

 

Even though it was against Peter’s better judgement, he obliged.  Look at verse 5.

 

BTW…The devil will try to convince you like he tried to convince Peter that this carpenter doesn’t know about your situation. 

 

How could He know about marriage?  He was never married.  How could He know about raising kids?  He wasn’t a parent.  How could He know about money?  He was poor.

 

Jesus’ was and is omniscient.  That means He knows all, and that includes everything that is best for you regardless of what area of your life. 

 

Therefore, Peter believed and obeyed.  Verse 5 says he let down the net in the deep water.

 

BTW…Without faith and obedience, it is impossible to please God.  That is what Peter did here.  He believed, and He obeyed.  See Hebrews 11:6.

 

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

Was it worth Peter’s while?  Look at verse 6.  A miracle happened.

 

They caught so many fish that the nets were breaking and the boats were sinking.  This was an act of the not only omniscient Jesus but the omnipotent Jesus.  He caused their nets to be full of fish. 

 

In verse 8, when he recognized why the nets were, he also recognized who he was in light of who Jesus was.  Consequently, he fell at Jesus’ feet and confessed his sinfulness. 

 

Peter’s confession is reminiscent of Isaiah.  See Isaiah 6:5.

 

5 So I said:

 

“Woe is me, for I am undone!

Because I am a man of unclean lips,

And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;

For my eyes have seen the King,

The Lord of hosts.”

 

Needless to say, I don’t think Peter regretted doing the illogical.  I never have either. 

 

I have never regretted writing a tithe check. I have never regretted sharing the gospel.  I have never regretted being faithful to my wife.  I have never regretted praying too much, and neither will you. 

 

 

3. Following Jesus may cost you everything, Luke 5:9-11.

9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

 

Verse nine says that Peter and all those with him were astonished or amazed at all that had happened.  Jesus told them not to let this miracle scare them. 

 

Why would they be scared?  This miracle was supernatural.  It was contrary to nature.  Think about if you were in their shoes.  If you were Peter or Andrew or James or John, would this be a little creepy or cringe?

 

At the end of verse 10, these two sets of brothers were given their assignment from that point forward.  However, it wasn’t just their assignment.  Brothers and sisters, it is our assignment as well.

 

We are to catch men alive or catch men for life.  That is literally what the end of verse 10 says. 

 

Consequently, as Christians, as Disciples, as Followers of Jesus, our job is point people to Jesus.  Whoever God brings in our path, that is the only reason He didn’t take us to heaven already so get to work!

 

In verse 11, these two sets of brothers left every thing and every one and followed Jesus.  They left everything behind.

 

Jesus would extend this invitation multiple times in Luke’s Gospel.  See 14:33 and 18:22.

 

33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

 

22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

 

These men left behind the greatest catch ever.  They left behind their business.  They left behind their family. They left behind their friends.

 

Are you willing to do the same today?  If Jesus called you to sell your business and do something new for Him, would you do it?

 

If you follow Jesus and your family isn’t on board, will you still do it?  If you follow Jesus and your friends don’t want to come, will still follow?

 

 

Invitation

My first invitation is for anyone to follow Jesus for the first time by admitting that you are a sinner, believing that Jesus died on the cross in your place, and call on Him to save you.

 

My second invitation is for anyone to follow Jesus completely in every area of your life.  That means your marriage and your parenting and your money and your business and baptism and church membership.

 

My second invitation is for anyone to follow Jesus into vocational ministry.  It may mean leaving behind everything including your business, your family, and your friends.

 

However, following Jesus for the first time or again is always worth it.  Won’t you do it today?