A Call to Serve

CALL TO MINISTRY

After entrance upon discipleship come earliest lessons and impressions. After conversion (John 1:41 f.) we find Simon Peter with Jesus at Cana (John 2:1-11), and sharing in the impression of His 'glory' through that first 'sign.' Probably also he was with Jesus through the Judæan tour (John 2:12 and 4:4) of eighteen months, or some part of it, gaining still deeper insight into the Master from personal contact. Here is a hint to young converts of the need of learning before teaching. Then, on return to Galilee (John 4:43), Peter seems to have gone back to his ordinary work of fishing.

Now comes a Second Stage, involving call from ordinary discipleship to special ministry (see Matt. 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; and study the last-named in particular). Probably this miracle was used almost exclusively as an appropriate means of the calling of Peter and his fellow-fishermen. Consider, then, three stages of the call.

I. THE PREPARATION (Luke 5:1-5)

How appropriate the circumstances (vv. 1-3). People pressing to hear the Word. Our Lord enters Peter's boat. 'Put out a little'—for the purpose of preaching. Then comes the simple command: 'Put out into the deep' (see R.V.). 'Let down your nets for a draught'—a test for Peter's faith and obedience. The significant response of Peter needs attention. Are they the words of prompt faith, or are they expressive of doubt and hesitation? Probably the latter, as though he said, 'Master, we toiled all the night, the best time for fishing, and took nothing; and now in the light and brightness of day a draught of fishes is surely unlikely. Yet I will let down the net, though I feel sure it will be useless.' Jesus had said, 'Let ye down [plural] your nets [plural].' Peter responded with, 'I will [singular] let down the net [singular],' just to show the result would be fruitless. (N.B.—The text of the A.V. is followed here, as inherently more probable.) So the answer was possibly (we would say, in view of sequel, certainly) an answer, not of prompt and reverent faith, but of reluctant and partial obedience. This was so like Peter.

II. THE PROGRESS (vv. 6-9)

Unexpected success was the immediate result. Great surprise was naturally evinced by the fishermen. The quantity of fish at such an unusual time, at the order of One Who was not a fisherman, and Who, presumably, knew nothing about fish and fishing! A reminder of His Divine power over nature and of His Divine knowledge. Realised sinfulness is soon definitely expressed by Simon Peter, who cries: 'I am a sinful man, O Lord.' Why? What made him feel his sin at this juncture? What connection was there between the miraculous draught and this confession of sin? On another occasion of a miraculous draught he did not realise his sin, but, instead, hurried to meet his Master, and that soon after the sin of his denial (John 21:7). Was it not that he now realised the sin of his own distrust which prompted the answer about toiling all night? Had he let down the nets of both boats, they would probably not have been broken. It is as though it flashed on Peter that, after all, His Master knew more about fishing than he did. His Master's knowledge and power were evident, and now the disciple rises to a higher conception of the One before him. He had called Him 'Master' (v. 5), he now calls Him 'Lord' (v. 8). Peter at once gains a higher idea of his Master and a lower idea of himself—both results very necessary for the ministry. The Lord reveals Himself to Peter, and reveals Peter to himself, to make him a greater blessing to others in the future.

III. THE PURPOSE (vv. 10,11)

Notice the loving assurance given (v. 10). 'Fear not' How sweetly it fell on the heart of the awestruck disciple! Mark the higher work promised (v. 10). 'From henceforth thou shalt be continually catching men' (Greek). See the full consecration shown (v. 11). 'They left all and followed Him' (cf. Matthew's and Mark's accounts). The old life, the old work, the old associations were left for new life and service. Now these humble fishermen are known the world over as Apostles of Christ. The above interpretation, though not the usual one, seems to harmonise best all the conditions of the situation. Peter's impulsiveness in telling his Master what he thought, and his candour in confessing his error and sin, are thoroughly characteristic.

The Apostle Peter: Outline Studies in His Life, Character, and Writings.