Simon Peter before Luke 5

  • Luke 4:31, 38; John 1:44; I Corinthians 9:5 – Peter was a married fisherman from Bethsaida.
  • John 1:35-42 – Peter met Jesus through his brother Andrew.
  • Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39

The Scene (Luke 5)

  • Peter, Andrew, James, and John are cleaning up after an unsuccessful night of fishing (Luke 5:2, 5; Matthew 4:18-22).

“At your word I will let down the nets”

  • Peter calls Jesus “Master”
  • Jesus command probably didn’t make much sense to Peter.
    • He obeyed
    • Jesus as an example (Matthew 26:39, 42; John 6:38; Philippians 2:8)
  • Worldly wisdom and God’s word are often in conflict.
  • We must know God’s word.

Bible examples

  • Noah
  • Abraham
  • Conquering Jericho

Practical applications for today

  • Matthew 5:21-26
  • Matthew 5:27-30
  • Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9
  • Matthew 5:38-42; Romans 12:17, 19
  • Matthew 5:43-48; 7:12
  • Romans 14 – Foregoing a liberty

Breaking nets and sinking boats

  • By Luke 5:8, what is Peter’s main concern? His own sin!
  • Isaiah 6:5
  • This is not the last time Peter is afraid (Matthew 14:30; 17:6; Galatians 2:12).
  • Peter now calls Jesus “Lord” (Luke 5:8)
  • What is the connection between what Peter experienced (aw and felt) and what he said?
  • Sometimes our lives must crumble before we seek God.
    • I John 2:15-17; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:8
    • Matthew 27:3-5 – Contrast with Judas.
  • I Peter 5:5
  • Other Bible characters whose lives crumbled, yet remained steadfast:
    • Naomi – Ruth 1
    • Job – James 5:11
  • Being a following of Jesus means humbling ourselves – emptying ourselves of our own will and desires and replacing them with God’s.
  • How to remain steadfast during difficult times?
    • Build strength during easier times (Did Job get that way overnight (Job 1:8)?)
    • Lean on God – Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:6-7
    • Lean on fellow Christians – I Peter 4:8-9
    • Read, study, and meditate on the Bible (Psalms 119:105)
    • Pray and sing (James 1:5-6; 5:13; Colossians 3:16)
    • Shun worldly wisdom (Proverbs 16:22, 25)

Leaving everything and following Jesus

  • Jesus as comforter – Luke 5:10; Matthew 5:4
  • They left everything.
    • I Peter 1:3-9
  • Jesus call, rejected – Matthew 19:22
  • Matthew 10:38
    • Matthew 16:24
  • I Corinthians 15:58 – We are called to work.
  • What is something you’re holding on to that is preventing you from following Jesus fully?