Prepare for Easter

Friday, March 13, 2020
(Happy Birthday, Lynne)

About My Father’s Business:

A Lenten Devotional Guide

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. . . . When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ”Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Luke 5:5-6, 8 NIV

I know that the Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” But Jesus needed to get Peter’s attention! Peter may have heard some of the teaching of Jesus while he was on the shore. We don’t know where he was, just that his boat was empty. But once Jesus got into his boat and began to preach from it to the people on the shore, Peter became a captive audience. This practical, impetuous fisherman may have even been a bit aggravated that his day had been changed by the stranger who wanted the use of his boat for a while. At any rate, he had no alternative but to listen.

There’s no indication that he was moved by what he had heard. Always aware of his surrounding, Jesus recognized the practical nature of Peter, that catching fish was important to him, so he took care of it. Peter’s problem was that he didn’t know where the fish were, so Jesus told him. Let’s give Peter credit where it’s due. He had fished all his life, yet he didn’t argue with Jesus. (Don’t forget, he was not a follower yet.) He obeyed this man of quiet authority and was amazed at the result, crying out his own sinful state.

God’s primary way of reaching man is the Word of God – both written and incarnate – but Jesus did not hesitate to get Peter’s attention with this miraculous catch of fish. Jesus’ act and Peter’s simple obedience impacted not only Peter’s life but the lives of many.

Father, make us an attentive people who notice small things so that we can be effective in bringing other to Jesus. Amen

About My Father’s Business:

A Lenten Devotional Guide
prepared for First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, Florida
Spring 2010
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator