The Word This Week

Luke 5:1…

Gone fishing.

This is something Jesus does better than any man ever could.

Even an accomplished fisherman like Peter could have never imagined the ability of this One Who asked to borrow Peter’s fishing boat.

Think of all the things Jesus demonstrated His mastery over as He taught the people – now outside the confines of the synagogues in an open-air environment capable of handling the multitude pressing Jesus to hear God’s Word.

Jesus understood acoustics. He needed a boat to take advantage of the amphitheater properties present by the Sea of Galilee. Coupled with the reflective surface of the water and the slope of the ground by the water’s edge, Jesus set a perfect acoustical environment so everyone could hear His words by natural amplification.

Jesus understood this fisherman, weary from fishing all night, would be willing to allow Him the use of his boat for this purpose. We remember Jesus had very recently healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a high fever. Peter would now return the favor for Jesus, allowing Him to use his boat as a platform from which to teach.

It is very probable Peter enjoyed this association with Jesus, given the adoring crowd on the shore gathered to hear Jesus’ teaching. Peter, though tired, would have been hanging on every word of this most incredibly authoritative Teacher…

And then the most amazing thing of all happened – from Peter’s perspective. Jesus rewarded Peter for the use of his boat, and the reward Jesus had in mind was astounding.

Not only was Jesus in charge of the environment He taught from, He was also in charge of the fish which would be gathered into Peter’s previously empty nets.

It would be the same for Peter pertaining to catching men – soon and very soon.

Pastor Bill