Recap:

Last week, we concluded our sermon series from the book of Jonah. Today, we begin a brand-new series, and if you’re here for the first time or haven’t been with us in a while, it’s the perfect moment to join us as we embark on this journey. In this series, we’ll explore the life of Peter, focusing on how he became a follower, or as we call it, a disciple, of Jesus Christ. Peter’s story is one of transformation and growth, and it mirrors the calling God places on our lives today.

As we begin, let us take a moment to prepare our hearts with prayer, inviting God to speak to us through His Word. We believe that God is still speaking today, that He desires to communicate with us, and that He has something good in store for each one of us. So, before we dive in, let’s acknowledge that belief together, reminding ourselves and those around us that God still speaks and moves in our lives today.

In Luke 5, we read a significant moment in Peter’s life. The passage tells us that one day, as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on Him to hear the Word of God. Picture the scene: it’s the first century, and Jesus has just begun His ministry. Word has spread that He preaches with authority, and miracles have already begun to happen. The crowds are eager to hear what He has to say.

In the midst of this, Jesus notices two empty boats at the water’s edge. The fishermen, having worked all night, had left their boats to clean their nets. Without asking permission, Jesus steps into one of the boats, which belongs to Simon Peter, and asks him to push out into the water. Jesus then sits in the boat and begins teaching the crowd from there.

When He finishes speaking, Jesus turns to Peter with an unusual request. He says, “Go out where it’s deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” Peter, who has been fishing all night with no success, responds with a mixture of exhaustion and respect. “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught a thing. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

And then, something miraculous happens. When they let down their nets, they caught such a large number of fish that the nets began to tear. Peter calls for help, and soon, both boats are so full of fish that they’re on the verge of sinking. Astonished by the miraculous catch, Peter falls to his knees before Jesus and says, “Oh Lord, please leave me—I’m a sinful man.” He is overwhelmed, not just by the fish, but by the realization of who Jesus truly is.

Jesus responds with these comforting words: “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” At that moment, Peter and his companions leave everything—the fish, the nets, the boats—to follow Jesus.

This story is powerful on many levels, but today we’ll focus on three key elements: the nets, the deeper waters, and the call to follow. The nets, for Peter, represent his livelihood and security. They are tools of his trade, and after a long, fruitless night, they symbolize his exhaustion and frustration. Like many of us, Peter worked hard but had nothing to show for it.

The idea of going deeper—physically in the story, but also spiritually—represents a step of faith. Jesus asks Peter to go beyond what he knows, beyond what seems logical, and trust Him. This step into deeper waters is something Jesus calls each of us to do in our own lives. Whether it’s in our work, our relationships, or our faith, Jesus invites us to trust Him with the things that seem impossible.

Finally, the call to follow Jesus changes everything for Peter. He leaves behind the greatest catch of his life, not because the fish don’t matter, but because he realizes that the One who controls the fish, the wind, and the waves is far more important. Jesus offers Peter a new purpose—one that transcends his occupation and touches the very core of who he is.

As we reflect on this passage, the question remains: What is Jesus asking of you today? What net are you holding onto that He is asking you to cast aside? What deeper waters is He calling you into, even when it doesn’t make sense? Jesus doesn’t just want to fill your life with good things; He wants to transform you and give you a greater purpose.

Let us take a moment to pray and ask God for the courage to go deeper, to trust Him with the empty nets in our lives, and to follow Him wherever He leads. As Peter’s life was forever changed by that simple act of trust, may our lives also be transformed by the power and presence of Jesus Christ.

Group Q’s:

Icebreaker:

  1. Have you ever experienced a time when you worked really hard but didn’t see any results? How did you feel in that moment?

Scripture Reflection:

  1. In Luke 5, Peter is asked by Jesus to go out into deeper waters after a long night of catching nothing. How do you think Peter felt when Jesus asked him to do something that seemed illogical?
  2. Jesus uses Peter’s boat, which represents his livelihood. What are the “boats” or “nets” in your life that represent security and familiarity?

Going Deeper:

  1. Peter had been fishing all night without success, but when he obeyed Jesus’ request, the miraculous happened. Can you share a time in your life when obedience to God led to unexpected results?
  2. Jesus told Peter to “go out where it’s deeper.” What does it look like for you to step into deeper waters spiritually right now? Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to trust Him more?
  3. Peter’s response to the miracle was to acknowledge his own sinfulness and unworthiness. How do you respond when you recognize God’s power and holiness in your life? How can we balance that with the grace and love God offers us?

Application:

  1. Jesus calls Peter to follow Him and fish for people. What does following Jesus look like in your daily life, and how might God be calling you to share His love with others around you?
  2. What “nets” are you holding onto in your life that might be preventing you from fully trusting and following Jesus?
  3. As Peter left everything behind to follow Jesus, what might God be asking you to leave behind in order to embrace a greater purpose?

Prayer Focus:

  1. Spend time praying together, asking God for the courage to step into deeper waters and to trust Him with areas of your life that seem uncertain or overwhelming.