The Frustrated Fisherman

Luke 5:1–11 KJV 1900

1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

lk5.1-11

The transition in this story is fascinating...

In the beginning, Peter is fishing for fish.

By the end he is fishing for men!

When you think about this, Jesus was about to launch his ministry.

This was the public opening to his start up

And he chose uneducated fishermen!

This is not what ziprecruter or cornhuskerhelpwanted.com would have recommended...

The fishing banks of Lake Gannessaret would not have been where the corporate headhunters hung out looking for fresh young minds to start a church with designs on a world wide church!

He stared by calling men with dirt under their fingernails

Working men who new the value of perseverance and persistence.

Why fishermen?

Patience

Perseverance

Dave Cobb and Dad fishing

Stand all day waiting for a fish that will never bite...

Here is the cycle...

First Peter catches fish

Then Jesus Catches Peter

Then Peter catches Men

Read Modern Language

Read

One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

Retell

One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Discuss: Do you see any parallels in your life to this passage of scripture?

Do you see any paralels in your life to this passage of scripture?

A Sense of Need – verses 1-3

Where was Jesus as this story unfolds?

Who all was there with him?

What was Jesus doing at this time?

What were the people doing?

How many boats were there, and who did they belong to?

What were the fishermen doing, and why?

They were WORKING

Why did Jesus go into a boat?

Why would Jesus want to push out a little ways from the shore?

Was this request convenient for Peter, or an intrusion?

How long had they already been fishing, and what time of day was it now?

Was their fishing trip a success or a failure?

What mood might the fishermen have been in?

As Jesus taught now from the boat, who all was hearing him?

It’s interesting that Jesus would use Peter’s failure as a pulpit to preach from. Share an experience where Jesus stepped into your trouble to speak to you.

Why do you think Jesus comes to us in our time of trouble or failure?

A Challenge to Obedience – verses 4-5

When Jesus finished speaking, what did he tell Simon to do, and why?

Jesus gave Peter both a command and a promise. What would happen if he pushed out?

How does God use promises to encourage our obedience?

What was Peter’s first reaction to this request?

Did Peter have a right to be skeptical?

Would Jesus’ request to go deeper have felt foolish without the promise? Why?

What would have happened if Peter had hesitated, or disobeyed?

Why did Peter decide to obey?

Because of what he had already seen and heard…

Share a time when you were hesitant to step out in faith, but your heart said, “nevertheless, at thy word!”

hare a time when you were hesitant to step out in faith, but your heart said, “nevertheless, at thy word!”What was Peter’s role in the miracle of the fish? What did he have to do?What are some things we might have to do in order to experience our miracle, breakthrough, etc.?

What was Peter’s role in the miracle of the fish? What did he have to do?

What are some things we might have to do in order to experience our miracle, breakthrough, etc.?

Living for God is a commitment!

Give and take where you surrender to the power of God, changing your life.

A Demonstration of Divine Power – verses 6-7

What happened when they let down their nets?

What happened to the nets?

Why didn’t they catch these fish just an hour before when they were on the water? What influence did Jesus have over these fish?

Could Peter’s boat handle all the catch? What did he do?

What might this tell us about how we should handle God’s blessings in our lives?

Was this the right time of day to catch fish? When is the right time for a miracle?

Sometimes God allows us to fail so we can see what can happen with His help. Can you share a similar time when God did this in your life?

Confession of Inadequacy – verses 8-9

What was Peter’s response when he realized he was witnessing a miracle?

When is the last time you felt overwhelmed by the power and presence of God?

Do you ever get more amazed by the blessing than you are by the Blesser? What should we do when this happens?

Do you think Peter had ever seen a catch this big before?

Why did Peter say, “Go away from me?”

What should our comparison between ourselves and God cause us to do or feel?

A Call to Personal Commitment – verses 10-11

Who else was with Peter at this experience? What was their response?

What two things did Jesus reply to Simon Peter?

No Fear

Catch men

God can use a person who recognizes and confesses their need for him. In what way do you think God could use you?

What happens if we try to hide our weaknesses from God?

When Jesus called Peter, he would still be a fisherman, just with a different purpose. What can God do wtih your current occupation to advance his purpose?

The calling of God is always within your skill set!

When the disciples followed Jesus, what did they leave behind?

What might you need to leave behind in order to fully follow Him?

The lack of commitment leads to frustration.

Mission

Mission

What is God calling you to do this week? Take just a couple of minutes to pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

Lord, this week I will accept my calling to fish for mankind by________________________________. Lord, this week I will invite my neighbor/coworker/family member to church.Lord, this week I will commit to pushing out deeper into your Word by reading the Bible every day.Even better, write your own!

Next Week’s Scriptures

Next Week’s Scriptures

The Miserable Millionaire: Christ Speak to the Problem of Misplaced Priorities –