The First Step
I have always been a pretty big fan of Peter in the Bible. I think the biggest reason is because I relate to the patterns of Peter’s flesh and the fervor of his Spirit. I think there is a lot to gain from studying the life of Peter and the steps he took both in the flesh and in the Spirit. Because of that I am going to break down what I think are key details about Peter’s life that should be an example to all believers as we learn to walk in step with the Spirit and not with the flesh. The apostle Paul says in Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Meeting Peter
In Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 5 the telling of Jesus calling Peter (along with his brother Andrew) gives us a little bit of insight as to who Peter is as a person outside of Jesus. Peter’s job as a fisherman indicates he was hardworking, and willing to do what was needed to get a job done. Fishermen in that time had to be pretty self disciplined because it was independent work. There wasn’t anyone over them making them get out of bed to go to work. They would fish in the evening and then during the day they were doing things like sorting their catch, cleaning their nets, and repairing any tears in the nets as well. There is something to be said about the work ethic of the time especially for such a labor driven job. It is also important to point out that this job was typically a successful one. Where they were fishing at that time was well known for being well stocked with fish. In other words, the fishermen didn’t leave their profession for Jesus because they were struggling financially. It wasn’t as if Jesus was offering them a higher pay check.
Something very interesting happened the night before Peter left his choice career. He had a horrible night of fishing. Have you ever been really good at something but you just had a major setback that had you in the dumps? This is where I imagine Peter’s mind was.
When you read the account of Matthew it reads as if Jesus walked up to these fishermen and said “come follow me” and they like robots followed Jesus. It is so much more than that and we get to see that in Luke. Let me be abundantly clear, GOD does not want robots following him. If He wanted people to follow Him like a rule instead of a choice then creation would have looked so different. Instead, there was a very important detail in Luke that leads us to understand the choice Peter (and other fishermen) made that day. Jesus had a group of people wanting to listen to His preaching and because Simon (Peter) had stepped away from his boat to wash his nets Jesus made the boat His stage. From the makeshift stage Jesus spoke the Word of God. I imagine that when Simon (Peter) saw a crowd around his boat and a stranger standing in it there was a sense of urgency to figure out what was happening. I imagine as Simon (Peter) approached his boat he ran into a wall that stopped him in his tracks. When I get to heaven one day I will ask Jesus what it was that He said that caught Peter’s attention instead of making Peter mad that someone was in his boat. (I’m just saying Peter is known for his temper I can’t imagine he was chill about it with just anybody.) Jesus asked Peter to put the boat on the water and He finished speaking from there. Jesus’ message had Peter’s attention, it had to have, otherwise Peter would have been more interested in getting home after a disappointed fishing endeavor. Jesus finished speaking and then the coolest part of the story happened. Jesus opened up the opportunity for Peter to see His power. He told them to go back out and cast their nets for a catch. In order to fully comprehend Peter’s decision to do what Jesus asked we have to understand that at this point the nets were clean and they were about to go home. It was the equivalent to your boss asking you to stay for one more hour after you just worked a double. Not to mention, Peter probably felt defeated. I would naturally assume that a night of fishing with no fish to show for it didn’t happen often. My flesh would be irritated and I can imagine Peter’s was too. Peter’s initial reaction was to explain why it wouldn’t make sense. He’s the professional fisherman after all. Jesus just gave an awesome message but He was now challenging Peter in his skillset. It’s easy to listen to God’s instruction when we don’t know what to do. However, we tend to push back when we think we are the professional in the area. Peter does something amazing though. He acknowledges Jesus as Master. He explains the circumstance but then He obeys. He essentially says “this is why I think this is a bad idea, but yes sir”. From that “yes sir” comes an amazing moment. The fishermen end up with near sinking boats due to the weight of the catch. Peter’s response is that he goes to his knees and declares how unworthy he is to be in the presence of Jesus. He in that moment acknowledges his sinful nature. This is the moment Peter acknowledges his needs beyond empty nets. It is the best decision any sinful man can make. Peter realized then what was important. He left behind what made him successful to the world’s standards and he picked up a ministry that was beyond what he probably ever imagined in that moment. Peter’s acknowledgement of his sin was the catalyst to a process of sanctification that we get to see as we dive into the rest of Peter’s story.
I would encourage you to answer these questions. Feel free to do so in the comments for other people to read or in your quiet time with Jesus.
What is/was your fishing with no fish to show for it moment that you felt/feel defeated over?
What is the message that Jesus used/is using to get your attention?
What did/do you try to explain to God because you think you know better than the One who created the fish?
Where are you in your walk? Are you willing to follow God’s call on your life or are you still trying to hold on to success according to the world’s standards?
Have you committed your life to Christ as your Savior AND Lord or are you just settling for salvation and a ticket to heaven instead of letting Him guide you as you live for Him now?
Well said, Amen