An Example of the Right Response to Jesus

Introduction:

In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus taught that those who grew around would hinder him from doing miracles there because they would not believe Him to be Messiah.

Jesus then went to Capernaum, and events there will be instructive for us later as we think about the right response to Jesus.

Jesus has “gone viral” with crowds following him for a host of their own reasons. This is important to Luke’s structure of the text.

Luke has focused upon what Jesus has taught or done, and he has emphasized how crowds of people have reacted to what they have seen and heard.

He has brought forth two kinds of people:

Those who reject outright (we saw them last night).

Those who are astonished at what he says and does, but who are attracted to him only to benefit from his power.

We have, in a way, a stand alone event. A relationship with Peter has already been suggested (Luke 4:38-39), but now we are going to see how one individual responds.

This is important as well.

What are the characteristics of people who truly serve God?

The rarest of all responses to Jesus is the right response.

Background: Lk. 5:1-3

Crowds continue to throng Jesus.

They, as it will turn out, are not the point.

The content of Jesus’ teaching is not the point.

Luke wants to explain how, on this occasion, Jesus and Simon, that is Peter, came to interact.

They already have a relationship.

We will see evidence of that relationship as Luke eventually brings out the main features that distinguish Simon, along with the sons of Zebedee, from everyone else.

Jesus teaches the crowds from the boat while in a seated position.

Take note that Simon either owns a boat or is responsible for one of them.

A Ridiculous Command

Jesus tells Simon to return to the deep part of the sea and lower their nets.

He gives a singular command, but the nets are in the plural.

Simon has people who work with him in these boats.

Note Lk. 5:2.

Simon recounted for Jesus the travails of the night.

Because of the use of the “trammel net,” fishing was done at night because fish could detect and avoid the nets.

Mariners washed their nets in the morning time before “knocking off” work.

These are commercial fishermen.

A glimpse into Simon’s view of Jesus.

He calls him “Master.”

He trusts Jesus’ word.

He is willing to obey.

Jesus instructs them to do the unthinkable.

Simon will do it upon Jesus’ word.

Luke describes the miracle by focusing on the actions of Simon and his business partners.

What had produced nothing at the right time to fish had suddenly, at the wrong time, produced a catch large enough for the boats to sink under the weight.

A Right Response

Luke now draws our attention to the reaction of Simon Peter. (see Lk. 5:8).

Peter:

Falls at Jesus’ knees.

Asks Jesus to remove himself from him.

Declares himself to be sinful.

This is the first time Luke will use this word.

It prepares us for the focus of Jesus’ ministry and those with whom he associates.

: This whole event prepares us for Lk. 18:13.

Calls Jesus, Kurios!

Peter and his companions’ fear contrasts with the people of Capernaum. (Lk. 4:36).

Jesus reorients their lives, and they obey him.

KC Hanson writes, “it is at least possible that the boats were actually owned by brokers and used by the cooperative” (“The Galilean Fishing Economy and the Jesus Tradition,”BTB 27(1997), 99-111).

Following Rostovtzeff on the fishing industries of Egypt and Syria suggests that “the fishermen received capitalization along with fishing rights, and were therefore indebted to local brokers responsible for the harbors and for fishing leases.”

By following Jesus, they were walking away from contractual obligations, social status, and joint-use of their boats.

They put in jeopardy their future financial prospects and those of their families along with the brokerage and personal relationships that would have been necessary to work as commercial fishermen.