Peter, One of The Chosen 12: Shaken By The Power of Christ

Let Us Pray

Our dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving us ears to hear your Holy Word. We pray for the illumination of the Holy Spirit to make these ancient words of Scripture relevant and near to each of us this day. Shine your holy light in our hearts so we may share it with others.In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

From the Gospel of Luke 5:1–11

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

5 Once while Jesus[a] was standing beside the Lake of Gennesaret and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to burst. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’s knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astounded at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

You can’t miss Peter in the Gospels—every list of disciples in the Gospels names him first.

He was brash and aggressive, the type who pushes to get to the head of the line. Although likable enough, with a big heart and unlimited enthusiasm, Peter, or Simon as he was originally named, had rough edges.

He was impulsive and could be argumentative, even with Jesus.

He could be bold and courageous in one moment, yet cowardly when it really counted.

Sound familiar?

Peter eventually earned the nickname “Rock” that Jesus gave him, as we see Peter make a remarkable transformation from the time he became one of Jesus’ disciples to the time after Jesus’s ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Peter’s life demonstrates that God does not give up on us. God sees the gifts He can use to further His work, even if we don’t see them.

Let’s explore how Peter is shaken by the power of Christ in this passage.

Jesus makes an unusual request of Peter, more of a command than a suggestion. The fishermen had been working all through the night at their trade; Peter was tired and frustrated, and their work had not been productive at all.

However, Peter obeys Jesus, even though he initially questions what Jesus tells him to do.

The results of complying with Jesus’s command? A bounty beyond comprehension.

Jesus’s authority is not bound by our abilities.

Peter responds in obedience and leaves his former life behind.

Jesus invites Peter on an adventure of faith that would radically transform his life, giving him:

• A new attitude – “Do not be afraid”—how many times have we heard this in the Bible?

• A new day – “from now on”—a break with the past that changes everything.

• A new purpose – “from now on you will catch people”—an invitation to Peter to follow Jesus.

• A new life – “They left everything and followed him”—this is radical commitment. Peter’s journey was just beginning; his transformation into the Rock would be slow and gradual.

Being in the presence of the One who has the power to call us, change us, and use us for His glory and honor—what greater calling is there?