Don't Be Afraid

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.  Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.  When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  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.  So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.  When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”  For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.  Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.  Luke 5:1-11

A fishing trip is typically a pleasure outing, whether it is bonding time with a friend, shared memories with a relative, quiet “alone” time in nature, or restocking the freezer.  Catching few or many fish doesn’t matter.  It’s all good; just enjoy the adventure.

By contrast, a professional fisherman doesn’t have the luxury to consider a fishing trip a leisure outing.  If he doesn’t catch his quota of fish, his family isn’t able to pay the bills.  Simon Peter, as a professional fisherman in Luke 5, is working on no sleep, physical exhaustion, and embarrassing frustration.  Jesus rubs salt in Peter’s wounds when he gives instructions to cast the nets again.  How will fishing advice from a traveling carpenter/teacher bring better results than their tried-and-true fisherman’s methods?

What happened next was unexplainable.  Peter and his partners witnessed an unprecedented haul of fish… more fish than two boats could carry.  The men were surprised with the results.  Peter responded to Jesus with amazement and newfound respect, but also fears.  In the unexpected moment of this miracle, Peter realized he was in the presence of God.  He bowed down, painfully aware of his sinfulness and unworthiness.

Jesus calmed their fears saying, “Don’t be afraid.”  He did not humiliate them, alienate them, or crush their spirits.  In another unexpected move, Jesus redirected their purpose and priorities.  He said, “From now on you will catch men.”  This is both an opportunity and a challenge.

Peter and the other fishermen left everything and followed Jesus.  This was a turning-point in their lives, taking a great amount of faith and courage to leave the known for the unknown.

Simon Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ miracle is an example for us to follow.  Jesus can calm our fears.  He offers us mercy and forgiveness and strength.  When we respond with trusting faith, Jesus gives our life new purpose.  We can join him in fishing for the Kingdom.  Don’t be afraid.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas