Is He Master or Lord?

Luke 5:1-11

I. Context
-this is not the first time Jesus met the disciples, nor is it the first time these men had been with Him (Mk 1:16-20; John 1:40-42) -Place and Time: :this happened in the Lake of Gennesaret or the Sea of Galilee (Mk. 1:16) also called the Sea of Tiberias (Jn. 6:1) :this happened in the morning (Lk. 5:5) but we cannot ascertain the exact time -from Lk. 5:1-3, we can deduce that there is a sizeable number of people following Jesus, wanting to listen to His teachings, be healed from diseases and witness miracles -though this is but the first parts of His public ministry, Jesus already captured the interest of the public because of His powerful teachings and miraculous deeds -from the passage, we will witness that though Jesus ministered to everyone who wanted to hear His teachings, He purposefully chose to be in that place at that time to call His future apostles.

II. Discussion/Exposition A. Some busy fishermen (vv. 1-7)

1. The curious and the lukewarm (vv. 1-2) Why do you think the crowd is eagerly interested in Jesus? -they wanted to listen to His teachings -they wanted to be healed from diseases -they were hoping that He is the Messiah -they wanted to see miracles

In contrast, how will you describe Simon and his companions attitude (vv. 12)? -unlike the people who zealously followed Jesus, Simon and his companions were busy with their trade -considering that it wasnt their first time to meet Jesus (Mk 1:16-20; John 1:40-42), its disappointing to see that theyre easily distracted by worldly things, a bit apathetic, indecisive, lukewarm and flippant about their earlier interaction with Jesus Application: Now that you are a Christian, in your honest assessment of yourself, what is your attitude towards Jesus in this phase of your life? Challenging the indecisive (vv.3-7) Why do you think Jesus chose Peters boat to teach from? -from a practical point of view, we can say that He is nearest to Peters boat so he chose it -it could also be that Jesus had known Peter before so He felt more comfortable to ask him to lend his boat -the fact that Jesus needed to ride on a boat shows that there are so many people following Him on the shore; by riding on a boat, He can use the water as His soundboard to project His voice
2.

-but in a more spiritual level, I believe that Jesus chose Peters boat because He wasnt done with Peter yet; Jesus had a purpose in mind with Peter and His companions so He chose to be there and to interact with Peter one more time -notice how Jesus shot two birds with one stone? He taught the crowd while fulfilling His purpose with the fishermen Consider the times Jesus asked Peter to do something for Him (vv.3-4). Describe Peters responses and reactions. -in v.3, Jesus sat down on Peters boat and asked him to put out a little from the shore so that He can teach the people -Peter immediately obeyed. He did not protest or anything, considering that he was busy cleaning his net when Jesus asked him to set out to the water -in v. 4, Jesus asked Peter to do two things: put out to deep water, let down the nets for a catch -compared to Peters earlier reaction, we see in v.5 a tinge of reluctance and frustration -its like Peter was saying, Look, I dont mean to be rude, but this may not be the best thing to do right now. We have been up all night fishing and caught nothing. I think going to the deep now to fish will only yield the same results. -but despite this subtle protest, he still obeyed Jesus and even uttered a very telling statement: But because you say so, I will let down the nets. What do you think does Peters response in v.5b tell us about his attitude towards Jesus? -this shows us that he holds Jesus in high regards -he trusts that His words are not empty and vain and so he was willing to obey Application: What is your attitude every time God asks you to do something? Is your yes borne out of faith and trust? Or out of a reluctant and grumbling heart?
3. The carpenter-teachers steps (vv.1-7) Retrace how Jesus caught the professional fishermen for his mission. What can we learn from Him in guiding/discipling men and women? -Jesus faithfully preached Gods Word to sow seeds and to draw those who were genuinely interested towards Him -He interacted, engaged and built relationships with those who were genuinely interested -He sparked more curiosity in them, gained their trust, revealed Himself slowly to them, challenged them with radical teachings and demands, and drew them into the more important issues of life

-we can see that there is a process involved until a person decides to fully commit his life to the cause of Christ whether this means moving from darkness to light or leaving apathy for active involvement

-constant and relevant challenges can help people internalize and reflect on the call of Christ -we must not give up encouraging and challenging people to lay their lives for Christ while exhibiting genuine love and concern for them
B.

An astonished sinner (vv. 7-10)

What new things does Simon Peter see through the miracle? -Peter recognized a supernatural nature in Jesus; He wasnt just a good teacher, nor was His miracles limited to the sick, Jesus virtually worked wonders in a greater sphere than what he previously knew -Peter realized the utter difference between himself and Christ. He calls himself a sinner and by doing so, ascribed to Christ holiness or sinlessness. This becomes more evident when we realize that during this time, people knew that only holy men can work miracles for God. -the miracle all the more confirmed in Peter the high regard he has for Jesus. If previously he respected Him for His teachings and reputation, now he worships Him and calls Him Lord because of personally witnessing His miraculous acts What do you think did the miracle accomplish for Christ? -here we witness that Jesus does miracles not gain popularity or out of whim but to testify to His claims about Himself -the miracle helped Jesus prove to the fishermen that what He says and what He claims are true -these have also helped the men move closer to realizing the truth about Jesus. It may take some time before they fully and truly understand who Jesus was (Matthew 16:13-20), but this simple experience moved them closer (process) to knowing more of Him Application: Have you ever stopped and reflected on your standing before the Lord? Is this statement true to you, The more I get to know God, the more I realize how small I am before Him and how great, holy and worth He is for my lifes worship? Think about all the miracles and wonders Christ did in your life. How have these helped you in your faith journey to submitting your life to Him?

C.

Fishers of men (vv. 10-11)

1.

Qualities of the Disciples (Luke 4) -At the beginning of his work, Jesus called these men to follow Him (Mk 1:16-20). -They have observed him for about a year (Luke 4) What qualities has Jesus apparently observed in them during that year that makes him choose them to be his co-workers? -humble -naive -simple -unassuming

-willing to follow, obey, learn -it is interesting to note that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Corinthians 1:27)
2.

The Response of the Fishers of men (vv. 10-11) How did Simon Peter and the other men respond to Jesus? -they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him -it was a yes, Lord! exhibited by their turning away from their established occupation to follow Jesus What do you think can make established businessmen leave everything to follow Jesus? -I believe Jesus helped them understand one crucial lesson: Learning to identify and desire things that last over and above temporary or earthly thingshaving the eternal perspective. -this doesnt mean that the things of the world are evil, vile or sinful, instead, this lesson helps a person grasp the answer to the questions, What are the truly important things in this world? Where should I invest my life while here on earth so that when I die I can say that my walk was a fulfilling one? What is this thing that they discovered which they knew will last? -Jesus Himself: his claims, teachings and personality coupled with his testimony through miracles -I believe they realized the futility of trying to keep their trade alive after meeting someone who virtually showed that He had control even over their trade and yet did not invest Himself in it, but gave Himself to another causethe greater cause of salvation -In their hearts they may have asked, What is in Jesus cause that did even give him second thoughts about following our cause or trade despite the fact that His ability can surely give Him success?

Application: From Peters experience, what can you learn about becoming Jesus true disciple? What can we learn from this passage about Jesus as a teacher and disciple maker? What would you like to imitate in Him? Have you ever considered leaving everything to follow Jesus as your real Lord? What would everything mean for you? What would move you to leave everything?

Prepared by: Frederick Paulo Tomacder Based on: Jesus: One of Us May 10, 2012