Arulvakku

02.09.10 FISHERS OF MEN

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,…

Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat…

 After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing…

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. (Lk 5:1-11)

 

 

It is interesting to note that the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to listen to the word of God. The crowd was not only after miracles and favours they were also after the word of God. Jesus also responded to them according to their wishes. People are after God and Godly things and the people expect that this be fulfilled in their time and space.

 

Jesus was not a fisherman. But he spoke with authority to Peter and Peter could not refuse him. Jesus was already having influence on the people and he was doing mighty works among the people. Certainly Peter would have heard about it and he could have even witnessed some of the mighty deeds. So when Jesus asked him to cast the net he could not refuse but obey.

 

Personal experience of the divine presence in the events compelled Peter and his friends to throw the nets and boats away and follow Jesus. The presence of the divine made them feel afraid of Jesus. But the assurance encouraged them to go on ahead. They had to give up working for material gain (fishing) and in stead work for human welfare (fishers of men).