I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

by Jonathan S Spurlock
(Holts Summit, MO)

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Background: Jesus taught the Word of God to people, then asked Simon to launch into the deep water. Simon reluctantly agreed. Watch what happens when the fishing trip was eventually over!

Introduction: What would you do if Jesus asked you to do something? Peter did and received far more than he ever thought possible. Let’s look!

I The Two Requests
A-Launch out a little way from the land (v3)
B-Put out into the deep water (v4)
The Lake/Sea of Galilee was 16 miles long and 6 miles across!

II The Two Responses
A-A reluctant response (we’ve worked all night, catching nothing)
(Greek word means labor to the point of exhaustion!)
B-A grudging agreement (but if You say so, we’ll do it)
Was Simon trusting his training or experience more than Jesus?

III The Two Results
A-The boat’s nets were filled to the breaking point
B-Simon and the others left the entire business to follow Jesus
Note: Jesus never said, “Follow Me” as He had done other times!
This was a voluntary decision on Peter’s part (and the others)

Conclusion: Jesus didn’t ask every fisherman to forsake and follow, but we ought to be willing to do whatever Jesus asks of us. How many blessings have we lost because we didn’t respond to His requests?