“So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:11).
Jesus came to earth with a well-defined mission, according to God’s plan worked out before the world began (Ephesians 1:4).
Jesus’ work had many aspects: teaching (revealing the theology of God’s kingdom); healing & miracles (bringing the reality of the kingdom into everyday life); taking upon himself the sins of the world and bearing them on the cross; being raised (bringing to an end the power of death); etc.
Today we will consider His work as reflected in His words spoken to Peter. “…Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men” (Luke 5:10). These words brought a new beginning for Peter and the company, as reflected in the words “from now on”; a new dynamic – a secure beginning, under Jesus’ assurance, “Don’t be afraid…” and a new work-load, “…you will catch men…”
The main idea of today’s sermon then is, Jesus’ work included calling followers/disciples.
It is easy to note that in this narrative the great catch left its impression on Peter and his friends.
Note also, that Jesus did not issue a call, He only outlined the great plan. God the Father did the election and the Holy Spirit convicted them and determined them to leave everything and follow Jesus.
I believe that the great catch offered Peter and his friends a glimpse of God’s kingdom manifest among them…and that their proximity to Jesus (His words) were an invitation – God’s invitation – to be part of the great work that Jesus was proclaiming and doing.
Once our eyes are opened to see God at work and His kingdom manifest in one form or another, the “natural” response is to (leave everything and) follow Him. “The Holy Spirit says, “Today if hear His voice…” FOLLOW.