32) BECOMMING A FISHER OF MEN
Text: TEXT: Luke 5:1-11
INTRODUCTION
As our weekly study continues concerning: “...those things most surely believed among us” (Lk 1:1),
We have recently been exploring what the Scriptures teach about the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
And as we have seen together through the Bible...
There is a great deal to learn and discover about what salvation is, and how we are truly saved.
Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 + 9, summarises the key points of the Gospel really well for us saying:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This is the truth of the Gospel according to the Scriptures:
We are saved by God’s Grace...
Through faith in Jesus Christ alone...because this is God’s gift to mankind,
And it has absolutely nothing to do with our good works.
Amen! Brethren, this is what we believe – because this is what the Bible teaches.
So far in this study and through the light of God’s Word we have seen:
What the Gospel is - with particular emphasis on how the Gospel is not of works.
We have looked at how we get saved and at how we can have Security in Salvation...
Because it is the Promise of God.
We have learnt of the existence of False Gospel’s – and been warned by God to avoid them.
Last week we even looked at God’s calling for us through the “Great Commission”
And saw our need to share the true Gospel of Christ with all we can.
Now today, I want us to build further upon our understanding of the Gospel...
And “...those things most surely believed among us”,
To look at how God Prepares us to share the Gospel.
And one of the best ways I can think to do this,
Is to look back at how Jesus prepared His early disciples for this task.
And ironically a big part of this preparation came,
When Jesus first called them as it were – to just become “Fishers of Men”.
THE CALL TO BECOME FISHERS OF MEN
Turn with me to Mark 1:14-20
14 Now after that John was put in prison [this is speaking of John the Baptist], Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
So we see here Jesus openly proclaiming the Gospel…
And now we see Him calling the early disciples to join Him in doing the same – verse 16:
16 Now as He walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [this is reference to Peter] and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become
fishers of men.
Now notice the calling here – because Jesus said:
“Join me and I will show you how to do something entirely new.”
And I hope the irony is not lost on you here – because these were “Fishermen”…
Who were called to become Fishers of Men.
Now that’s quite a change in role and occupation,
To go from to seeking to catch fish – to actively seeking to catch men’s souls.
To go from casting a net – to openly proclaiming the Gospel…
Because this is what we are talking about here.
Jesus said - “If you follow me, I will show you how to go from being a mere fisher of fish…
To becoming a fisher of men.”
Notice also with me the last part of verse 17 – Jesus said: Come ye after me,
and I will make you to become fishers of men.
That phrase I will make you – does not speak of a forced obligation.
Jesus was not going to force His disciples to do anything…
Just as He does not force you or I to do anything.
Instead, in the Greek this phrase means to “make ready” or “to prepare”.
“If you follow me (Jesus said) – I will get you ready for all that comes next”.
“I will prepare you to seek out and catch men through the declaration of the Gospel”.
I think this is an interesting point – because Jesus doesn’t just wait for us to be saved,
And then say – go and save others!
No – He gets us ready and He works in and through our lives
So that we are sufficiently prepared for that task.
Some people get really scared at the thought of sharing the Gospel,
And at the idea of telling others about Jesus.
But this is less daunting when you understand how Jesus’s promises to prepare us.
So how did the disciples respond to such an invitation?
More to the point - How are you and I going to respond to such an invitation?
Jesus says: “follow me - and I will prepare you to share the Gospel”.
Well Look at verse 18: And straightway they [Peter & Andrew]
forsook their nets, and followed Him.
Now there is another interesting truth here – isn’t there,
Because if you and I are ever going to truly follow Christ…
And embrace His calling for our lives in the sharing of the Gospel,
We’re going to first have to “forsake” some things.
That means you are going to have to leave some stuff behind…
In order to do what God has called you to do.
And we are going to talk more about that in a moment,
But first notice also with me how this was not just a calling for Peter and Andrew,
Because Jesus called other disciples in the same way. Let’s read on in verse 19:
19 And when He had gone a little further thence, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
20 And straightway He called them:
So in the exact same way Jesus called Peter and Andrew to become fishers of men…
Now we see Him calling James and John – to become the same. And how did they respond?
…and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants,
and went after Him.
So again, they willingly forsook some things – to take up the privilege oof sharing the Gospel.
THE PREPARATION TO BECOME FISHERS OF MEN
So this is interesting right?
Jesus approached the early disciples – who were fishermen,
And He called them to change their focus and to become fishers of men.
He called them to share the Gospel.
This very same account is also recorded in Matthew 4:17-22.
And just as the early disciples had to first come to terms with God’s plan for their lives in this way,
So too do we as Christ’s disciples today.
Are we willing to become Fishers of Men?
Are we willing to follow Jesus and really forsake some things...
In order to share the true Gospel of Jesus Christ?
This is usually about the time – that many people become uncomfortable,
And they say things like: “Well how can I share the Gospel?”
“I don’t know what to say... I don’t know what to do...this can’t possibly be God’s plan for my life”
But brethren – please hear me when I say...
This is God’s plan for every disciple’s life – He would have us all to become “Fishers of Men”
Because He would have us all openly proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
But remember in all of this Jesus made a promise – because to those who follow Him,
He also said that He would readily prepare them for all that was ahead.
Turn with me now to the Gospel of Luke.
And let’s see the kind of preparation God would have us go through with Him
So that we are ready to share the Gospel. Luke 5:1-11
1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him [Jesus] to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s [again this is Simon Peter], and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.
What a great passage of Scripture...
And believe me when I say that this text - has many different levels of truth to it.
I mean there is just so much for us to learn...
Not just on a practical level for our lives – but also on a spiritual level as well.
And for me, this whole account is summed up rather well in verse number 10 when Jesus said:
from henceforth thou shalt catch men
You see, this is an ongoing continuation to the story we have just seen...
When Jesus first called these disciples to become Fishers of Men.
Now some people mistakenly believe...
That the accounts previously found in Matthew and Mark,
Are now also being retold in Luke – but that is not the case.
In fact, I believe Luke is presenting an entirely different account – which happened at a different time.
Matthew and Mark reveal the initial calling Jesus gave to these men
As He beckoned to them to follow Him and to become Fishers of Men.
The account in Luke however reveals the final “preparation” these men undertook with Jesus
In order to get them to the point where they were “ready” to do what God called them to do.
Now we know this – because of the subtle differences in the details provided.
The accounts may look similar – but the information provided between them is different,
And when it comes to God’s Word - things that are different - cannot be the same.
Sometimes the greatest truths for us to discover – rest within the details.
For example, Matthew and Mark record how on this day Jesus came and found Peter and Andrew
…casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Matthew 4:18 / Mark 1:16)
Now of course this makes sense – because this is what Fishermen do when they are fishing.
However notice what Luke now records in verse 2 – because we are again told how Jesus came:
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
So whereas before – the men were actively engaged in fishing by casting their nets
Now they are done fishing – and are washing their nets.
Things that are different cannot be the same.
Something else that is interesting is that in Matthew and Mark
We find Jesus making his invitation and calling saying:
Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
In others words, Jesus says: “I will prepare you for what is yet to come.”
“I will make you ready for what I have called you to do”
But now, notice again with me what Luke records...
Drop down and read with me just the last part of verse 10:
…From henceforth thou shalt catch men – Jesus said.
In other words: “Your preparation is done”.
“From now on - You are ready to do what I have called you to do”.
Now these details may be subtle in their differences – but they are different.
And when it comes to the Word of God – things that are different cannot be the same.
So then clearly, something has happened between the time when...
Jesus first called the disciples to follow Him and promised to prepare them to become fishers of men,
And what is now happening in Luke when Jesus says – you are now ready to catch men.
So what has happened – well Jesus was faithful to His promise
And He prepared these men to do what He had called them to do in sharing the Gospel.
Now I believe this whole preparation process...
Is seen really clearly with Peter right here in the Book of Luke.
And what I want you to bear in mind – is that Peter is a lot like us.
You see, Just as Peter needed some preparation to get Him ready for what was ahead – so to do we.
God knows that! And just as Jesus was faithful to His promise...
In getting Peter ready to become a Fisher of Men - so too will He be with us.
And Brethren, as I look at Peter’s life...
And see just what Jesus was willing to do to get Him ready for the ministry,
I take great faith in knowing what Jesus will do with us.
1) LAUNCHING OUT
Notice what Jesus says in verse 4 because He says – Launch Out!
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Now the deep is where Jesus wants to take us all.
He wants to take us deeper in our walk and personal relationship with Him.
But you don’t just plunge into the deep – your grow and mature into the deep.
You under go a series of steps that get you ready and prepared for the deep.
Sometimes we look out into the deep - and we get scared...
Because we don’t know how we are going to get there – or just what will await us when we arrive.
But brethren know this – Jesus doesn’t want to take us out into the deep to drown us, but to bless us
And there are always a great many blessings that await us all out in the deep with Jesus.
But notice what we have to do first in order to get there...we need to Launch Out!
Now in the Greek this is a Nautical term meaning: “to be put out to sea”.
It speaks of the process whereby a boat is taken from off the land and placed out onto the water.
Launching Out – Series Of Progression
Now here’s where our launching out guys begins to become significant.
But here’s the thing - Launching out with Jesus - is not a snap your fingers kind of thing.
Just as there is a process involved when it comes to launching a boat out to sea...
So to is there a process involved when it comes to us launching out with Jesus.
In truth, launching out actually involves a series of small steps– and a process of gradual progression.
You see, launching out with Jesus – is not just going to happen,
Just as getting our into the deep – is not just going to happen...
Just as becoming a Fisher of Men and sharing the Gospel is not just going to happen.
The boat is never sitting up on the sand one moment
And then somehow, miraculously ends up out in the deep the next.
There is always a process involved and a series of steps necessary for launching out into the sea.
First you have to be willing to Get in the Boat with Jesus
Then you have to be willing to thrust Out into the Shallows with Jesus
And then from there, you need to decide whether...
You want to Go out into the Deep with Jesus.
And I can tell you this – its only out in the deep with Jesus...
That you will do what you have been called to do – that you will become a fisher of men,
That you will proclaim the Gospel of Christ – and if God be willing...
Experience the joy of having your nets break with the abundant spiritual blessings that await.
Do you see what I am getting at?
There is a process whereby we are made ready and sufficiently prepared for what comes next.
Get In The Boat
Now Jesus told Peter in verse 4 to launch out into the deep with Him,
That was the goal and that was the ultimate destination.
But in order to get way out there,
There were a whole lot of other things that needed to first take place.
And first things first – you just need to get in the boat.
Read with me again verses 1+2 in Luke chapter 5:
1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
Please notice this – there is no one in the boat right now.
There was just two empty boats and a vast sea ahead of them.
Now in order to get to the next level...
Peter had to start by choosing to get in the boat with Jesus – and so do we.
We are never going to launch out anywhere – if we don’t get in the boat.
Having received this invitation from Jesus...
That was the first choice and decision Peter needed to make.
Was He going to follow Christ’s command to get in the boat. Look at verse 3:
And He [Jesus] entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land.
You see, there was another level to Peter’s personal walk and relationship with God...
And Jesus wanted to take Him there - But first Peter had to get in the boat.
There will be no launching out from any of us...
And certainly no declaration of the Gospel – if we are not first willing to do this.
Who You Are Doesn’t Matter
Peter was a fishermen – but going fishing was not what this day was about.
This was about beginning a spiritual journey and taking things to the next level with Jesus.
And guys – this is a journey we all must undertake if we are going to launch out this year.
What you do for a job – doesn’t matter.
Your education and achievements made in life – doesn’t come into it.
Whatever wealth and materials gains you have managed to accumulate,
All the skills and abilities you have – Look none of that is important
When it comes to launching out to where we’re going.
Because the honest truth is - when you get in the boat and launch out with Jesus...
You have to leave all of that other stuff behind anyway.
Who you are doesn’t matter when it comes to sharing the Gospel...
Because who your following makes all the difference. Remember that!
Not About You
“Launching out” to share the Gospel is not going to be about you
Or what you can do for God.
It’s going to be about Jesus - and what He wants to do for you.
Please understand that – because I think some people
Get a little apprehensive and uneasy when we talk about the prospect of...
Launching out into something new – by becoming a Fisher of Men
And I think we often feel this way – because we make God’s calling to share the Gospel about us.
Tell me, do you think what happened next - had anything to do with Peter
Or what he was able to do for God?
Did it have anything to do with how good a fisherman Peter really was?
Heck - Peter had just failed at an entire nights fishing,
And yet when He launched out with Jesus – remarkable things began to happen.
You see none of this is really about what you can do - is it?
It’s about you just being willing to follow Jesus.
It’s about you answering His call...
It’s about you getting into the boat with Him...
It’s about you launching out into the shallows – an ultimately out into the deep
For a whole new spiritual experience with Jesus.
And a big part of this – is not about you doing anything at all...
Its just about you being there – so Jesus can get you ready for what comes next.
From Shore To Sea
At the end of the day, our choice and decision to Get in the boat...
Is going to have a bearing on everything that happens next.
You just can’t experience all the marvels of the deep – when you are standing on the shore.
Now outside of our choice to receive Jesus Christ and His eternal salvation,
This may well be the next most important decision of our lives.
It certainly was for Peter – “Are we going to get in the boat with Jesus?”
Are we going to allow Him to do something truly wonderful with our lives?
Are we going to follow Him out into the deep – to become a fisher of men?
You see for us, launching out with Jesus will always come down to a series of all important decisions.
And the first choice, is the most important of them all - are we going to get in the boat?
Not A Forced Decision
When Jesus came walking that day along the shores of Galilee...
This was the first choice Peter was faced with while on shore,
And this is the only choice we now have to make this morning.
Never mind the state and condition of the boat, the fishing conditions, the weather or the sea...
None of that was important.
The only decision Peter had to make at this point was – was he willing to listen to Jesus.
Would he get in the boat with Jesus or not.
I mean before Peter could ever launch out...
And Jesus could ever get Him ready for his true calling,
He had to first make this one all important decision - to get in the boat.
Launching out with Jesus is something – you will never be forced to do – it’s a choice.
In verse 3- Jesus got in the boat first, and then he beckoned for Peter to join Him...
…And prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land
That term Prayed as it is used there is the Greek term: er·o·tah·o
And it means: “to ask”, “to desire” or “to request”.
Jesus said to His disciples – come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men!
It’s Harder Than You Think
Now you might be sitting there going:
“Well yeah – sure. That’s no big deal”
“Just get in the boat with Jesus”.
“I’m ready, I’m willing – lets go”
But guys – I have to warn you...
Because getting in the boat is often much harder than it looks.
The choice always seems easy when you are standing on the shore.
But the reality is – getting in the boat is hard.
And the reason why it is so hard – is because many of us are anchored down
Let me try and explain.
A) Decision To Cut Loose All Ties
Let’s consider some things about Peter’s decision.
First of all, for Peter to get in the boat – he had to loosen the ties
And the anchor that was keeping him on shore.
I mean this is standard practice right.
You bring the boat into shore – and you tie it down...
Because you don’t want it to float away.
The problem we all have though – spiritually speaking
Is that sometimes we anchor our boats down so tight – it’s difficult to launch them out.
For many of us - the problem is not that we fail to hear Jesus call to launch out,
The problem is we just can’t bring ourselves to loosen the ties we have...
Which are keeping us firmly fixed on shore.
Jesus wanted to take Peter out in a new direction,
He wanted to take Him to greater spiritual depth in His life,
He wanted to take Him deeper in His walk and relationship with God,
And make no mistake – this is what God wants to do with us...
The problem is - we have so many things biding for our time and attention right here on the shore.
And getting in the boat with Jesus means we Have to let go of some things.
Always Work To Be Done
You see, it would been really easy for Peter to get all wrapped up with His daily life and living,
And forfeit the opportunity of launching out with Jesus.
After all - there is always work to be done.
Sure - the ship was already on shore
But the nets needed tending,
And the gear needed to be sorted and stored – before the next nights fishing could begin.
And this was Peter’s livelihood. This is how he earned a living.
Fishing had become His way of Life.
The irony of course in all of this - is that Jesus wanted to show him another side to life and another way to live By becoming a fisher of men.
This is His calling for us too.
Don’t ever assume that because you believe in God...
That it will be easy to get in the boat and launch out with Jesus – because it’s not.
Jesus Taught In The Shallows
Now after Peter made this decision – after he got in the boat
And launched out with Jesus – notice what happened next.
Look at the second part of verse 3 because we are told that Jesus:
…sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
So Jesus began to teach some things right there in the shallows.
That was what happened and that was where it took place.
And on all counts, it appears that a large group lined the shore
Desiring to hear the Word of God.
Some may have been saved and some might not...
But in either case, that was as far as they were willing to take things with Jesus...
Because they remained on the shore.
Peter however took things to another level,
Because He drew closer Jesus and placed himself in the very presence of the Master.
He got in the boat and lunched out into the shallows with Jesus...
And in doing so – took a front row seat in everything that happened next,
Placing himself in the best possible position to hear and learn the Word of God.
And this is really a critical part of our story...
Because the time Peter spent with Jesus there in the shallows
Was of the utmost importance – in terms of preparing him for all that was to follow in the deep.
The Shallows Verses The Deep
So what’s the difference between the shallows and the deep?
Is there a big difference?
I mean - what more does Launching out into the Deep entail for us...
That launching out into the Shallows doesn’t cover?
Well for one thing, as Peter sat in the shallows – all he did was listen.
As Peter sat in the shallows – what he did was contemplate what Jesus had to say.
As Peter sat in the shallows – what he gained was a greater understanding...
Of who Jesus was and of His greater plan and purpose was for his life.
Brethren trust me - we all need time in the shallows with Jesus.
Launching out into the deep – is about more than listening.
Launching out into the deep – is about more than contemplating what Jesus has to say.
Launching out into the deep – is about far more than just understanding the truth.
You see, for Peter, Launching out into the deep...
Was all about taking all that he had listened to and learned from Jesus,
All that he contemplated and begun to understand about spiritual things...
And then through FAITH - begin to apply those things and share them with others.
That is the difference between the shallow and the deep.
One is about sitting – the other is about going
One is about listening and learning – the other is about applying and sharing that which is learnt.
One involves hearing all about of God’s blessings...
The other involves us experiencing all of God’s Blessings.
One will take your relationship with God to this level...
The other takes your relationship with God to the next level.
And that’s what Launching out into the Deep is all about,
It’s about reaching the next level with Jesus – to become a Fisher of Men
In the shallows Peter learned all about God’s Word.
By launching into the deep – Peter actually put into practice the things he learnt.
In the shallows Peter learned about Jesus.
By launching into the deep Peter experienced more of Jesus in his life.
In the shallows Peter learned what it meant to be a Christian.
But by launching out into the deep Peter began to live out his Christianity.
You see, there is a vast difference between understanding the greatness of God
And truly experiencing the greatness of God in your life.
One is shallow and the other is deep.
They are different – and are both necessary.
You see, Jesus will always take you just as far as you are willing to go.
He will meet you on the shore...
He will go with you out into the shallows...
And He will remain with you – if and when – you are ready to launch out further into the deep.
Conclusion
So what do we learn from this?
Well for one thing, we know that the invitation Jesus gave to the early disciples
Is still the very same call for you and I as disciples have need to respond to today
Jesus said: follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men.
In fact, in the same we see Jesus preparing Peter for this great calling
And getting him ready to share the Gospel – so too can we see God’s patience in preparing us.
You see God wants to take us all deeper...
Deeper in our walk and relationship with Christ...
Because its only out in the deep with Him...
That God’s true calling will be fully realised - and the abundance of His blessings experienced.
Out in the deep with Jesus – is where true Fishers of Men are made!
But remember, in order to get out there...
Some things needed to happen first – Jesus needs to get us ready.
In order to Follow Jesus – Peter had to first Get in the Boat with Jesus
This was Peter’s decision and his decision alone – God didn’t force Him,
But there would be no spiritual progression forward...
And no exploration of the deep without this step being first taken.
Next Peter had to Launch out into the shallows with Jesus.
You can’t get out into the deep without first crossing the shallows.
And Brethren we all need to spend some time with Jesus in the shallows,
Because that is where Jesus teaches us...
That is where we learn how to trust Him.
And then from their we are Called out into the deep with Jesus
And it’s really out in the deep with Jesus that we answer His call.
Out in the deep is where we cast out the nets...
Out in the deep is where we endeavour to catch souls...
And it’s out in the deep that we become Fishers of Men!
That’s where the abundant blessing lay – that’s where the nets break for the joy of the harvest.
This is how Jesus prepared Peter to share the Gospel – and this is how Jesus will prepare us.
You see it was only after experiencing all these things...
After this progression in his walk and relationship with God...
That Jesus declared from henceforth though shalt catch men.
Now you are ready for what God has called you to do.
Let us also in this way become ready – and take up the calling to share the Gospel of Christ.
