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?