Now while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. Luke 5:1 WEB
The lake of Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee. By this point in the ministry of Jesus, large crowds followed him to hear the word of God. Although he generally writes his gospel account in chronological order, here, Luke breaks with this practice. Instead, Luke arranges this chapter and a portion of the next chapter as thematic. His theme is the calling of the twelve disciples and the superiority of the New Covenant.
As he teaches the word of God, Jesus enters Simon’s fishing boat. The Lord uses the boat as a platform near the shore to continue his teaching. Afterwards, Jesus encourages the fishing men to put down their nets in deeper water. The catch they receive fills two boats. This serves as a metaphor for the great number of lost souls the disciples bring into the kingdom of heaven.
The large catch of fish astonished the men. Simon pleaded with the Lord to leave his presence, feeling unworthy because of his sinful nature. Jesus’ response to this is recorded in Luke 5:10 as he said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people. NIV” Simon and his fishing partners John and James left everything and followed Christ.
Heaven Is at Hand
Simon’s admission of his sin is significant. As Jesus traveled , spreading the word of God, the Lord called men to repent from their sins. The gospel of Matthew records the theme of Jesus’ early ministry. Matthew 4:17 says, “From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’ WEB” Under the New Covenant, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross served as the final sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
Together with his disciples, Jesus taught the word of God and demonstrated living in accordance to the will of our heavenly Father. Before he went to the cross to pay the price for our sins, Jesus showed God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. This forgiveness comes when we admit our faults and repent for our sins. As we read in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. WEB”
Prayer: :Father God, thank you for the faithful who teach your holy word. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Guide my steps with the wisdom of your word. Help me to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Treasure in Heaven
