Calling a Sinful Fisherman

Peter’s Story of Becoming a Follower of Jesus This is Luke’s distinctive way of beginning the story of Jesus’ disciples. Mark is much briefer. Jesus starts his ministry: confrontation (Accuser, hometown, beings-of-power, fever). Message: “Authority, power.” People throng for healing. Other towns. People push in. He sees two boats by Lake Gennesaret. Simon’s! A fisherman’s boat was found in 1986, 27 ft long, 7.5 wide, 4.5 deep. From 1st cent. Lk focuses on working fishermen. Jesus interrupts Simon indirectly, for teaching. Jesus challenges Simon with disruptive instruction. He could say no. But he’s seen Jesus: “Master.” “On the basis of your word...” That clear authority! But Jesus doesn’t know what he’s saying. Or does he? He gets crew & unfinished nets. They row out on foolish task. But then the Catch happens! Two boats full of fish. This is the start of Peter’s great story. Note how strange. Jesus is a teacher, the proclaimer of God’s kingdom. But Simon’s no student of scripture. Lk gives no content of Jesus’ teaching. He’s not grasped by Jesus’ message. By what then?
 Lk want us to watch an ordinary man who really “sees.” Jesus’ authority, power! It’s not called miracle or sign. It just happens where Jesus is. Simon Peter sees! Seeing Jesus’ Authority – Fearsome and Fascinating Peter’s first reaction is No! He realizes this is a challenge to him. He sees himself. He knows he’s not ready, not the right person: “a sinful man.” Ordinary person. But more. This is uncanny, fearsome. If this can happen, what’s next? It’s far too much. “Go away from me.” It’s like casting out those “beings-of-power.” Luke wants us to see that Jesus comes not with an attractive teaching, clarifying philosophy, wisdom for successful life. That will come in compelling form! But if we’re going to hear it, we need to “see” who Jesus is, his authority. Why listen! Peter stands for James, John and all the others who’ll follow. Jesus comes not to give good guidance and advice, but to open a new world, change our thinking, bring us sinners into the healing grace and love of the Holy God who is Abba! Beginning the Journey of Learning Jesus “Don’t be afraid...” But a new life opens. They leave the fish behind. And the boat! What’s the language of fishermen? Boats, keeping nets in repair. Hard work through the night, Fish. Getting by. Jesus speaks to them in their own language. Not in words but experience. An empty lake becomes abundance. Where Jesus is. They let go, release (same word as “forgive”) everything. The ordinary traps, wrongs, enslavements of everyone’s life. Lk 5-7 a lot about sin and release/forgiveness. They follow Jesus. They don’t understand him. They start the journey. They’ve experienced his authority. They don’t know where it will lead – but 2 boat- fulls! They’re going to catch people, for life, for abundance, for God’s promises. Go!