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1 'One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5 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."
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 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.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 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." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.'
Luke 5:1-11
Devotional
Why does Jesus use parables of fishing and harvesting so often? Jesus isn’t providing tips for lake fishing. Jesus is preparing us to be used for the Kingdom so we can throw out lifelines to those around us. These lifelines are the stories of how God's radical love and forgiveness have forever changed our story. These lifelines change us for a lifetime. So how do we extend these lifelines? His instruction is that we fish for people as we follow Him. As we walk into a deeper relationship with Jesus and trust in the Lord's timing, God will give us the open door to invest, invite, and to share our story – to cast out a lifeline to someone else.
Additionally, notice that Peter doesn't go alone. James and John also decide to follow Jesus and go "fishing for people." Casting out lifelines and sharing your story does not have to be done in isolation. We are meant to go together. Jesus sent His twelve disciples and the 72 in groups of two. Throughout the book of Acts and the Epistles, the disciples consistently went together. Paul writes about traveling, planting churches, and sharing his story alongside others such as Silas, Apollos, Titus, and Timothy. Community is at the core of how we share our faith. As we surround ourselves with a Christ-centered group, we can experience encouragement that empowers and emboldens us to invest, invite, and share our story.
His wisdom is that we shouldn't go alone. Who we go with matters. Who we do life with matters. Jesus has given each of us a story to tell - as God's story of grace and forgiveness brought restoration and redemption to our story. So cast out a lifeline to those in need, and don't discount your story.
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6