Anchor My Faith

Come, Follow Me

Scripture: Lk 5:8-11; Mt 4:19, 21-22

We ended the previous lesson wondering what affect the large catch of fish would have on Simon. ^{“Lk 5:8} When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”’ Simon Peter knew that someone greater than man was in his presence making him feel uncomfortable. He knew Jesus had much greater power than he and was more righteous than he and he felt the need to be separated from him because of his sin. This demonstration of authority causes Simon Peter to sense that God was in his presence and he falls down before Jesus and calls him “Lord.” Simon asked Jesus to depart from him because as a sinner he was afraid he would be so judged.

This demonstration of authority affected not only Simon: ^{“Lk 5:9} For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken.” This miracle of bringing this large catch of fish into the nets was a demonstration of God’s presence; the first step in understanding who Jesus is. Simon Peter sees God working through Jesus, but over time he will come to a deeper understanding of who Jesus really is. Later in Mark 8:29, when asked by Jesus who he thought he was, Simon Peter responds by saying, “You are the Christ.” This comment represents a great change in his understanding of who Jesus was.

Of those who were astonished, two other names were mentioned: ^{“Lk 5:10} and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.” At this point Jesus has singled out Simon (who was called Peter), his brother Andrew, James and John who were sons of Zebedee and thus brothers.

^{“Lk 5:10} [Then] Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching [people]. ^{“Mt 4:19} Follow me, and I will make you fishers of [people].”’ Many lessons ago, Zechariah was afraid when the angel Gabriel appeared before him. Simon was likewise afraid when Jesus stood before him after performing the miracle, but in both cases they were told to not be afraid. In both cases the men were given instruction to be carried out. Zechariah was told that Elizabeth would have a son and that he was to be named John. Here Simon was to follow Jesus and become a catcher of people for the kingdom of God. ^{“Lk 5:11} [So] when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” In obedience Simon and Andrew left everything and followed him.

Only these two names are listed because Matthew adds some detail that indicates another boat nearby in which James and John and their father were in. ^{“Mt 4:21} And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. ²² Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” At this point it appears that these four men have left the fishing business to follow Jesus.

Prayer

Father, Jesus requested Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave what they were doing and follow him. In obedience they left everything and went with Jesus. Father, I am not so sure we are very willing to leave behind just a little today to follow you. Maybe that is why Christianity is having little effect on the western culture. Maybe with a little less of the world, we can have more of Jesus to enjoy.