Exploring the Scripture

This story of Jesus calling his disciples appears later in Luke’s Gospel than the other Gospels. The setting is the Sea of Galilee which Luke calls the lake of Gennesaret. It parallels two stories in Mark: Mark 1:16–20, the story of Jesus calling his disciples; and Mark 4:1–2, the story of Jesus beginning his teaching ministry.

The passage is divided into three parts. In the first part of the text, Luke introduces the setting. Jesus is being pressed by the crowds. He asks a fisherman to lend his boat as a rostrum from which Jesus can address and teach the crowd. Then Luke describes a miracle. The fishermen obey Jesus’ command to caste their nets into the water even though they had been unable to catch any fish that day. The nets become full of fish. They call their friends in other boats to share in the bounty. Finally we see a relationship develop between Jesus and the fishermen. The fishermen drop their nets and follow Jesus with his encouraging words that they will similarly catch people. They are “caught” by Jesus and given a new vocation in this wonderful metaphor.

As we reflect on this text, we can compare Peter’s calling to the other main character in Luke’s second account (Acts), Paul. Both Peter and Paul were called out of their normal lives and occupations by what can only be described as a miracle. This was so intense that following Jesus was a natural response, even by these men who did not feel worthy to be called. Features of both calls can be found in testimonies of many to this day.

Thinking of this text as proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, a central theme in Luke, we see Jesus anointed by the Spirit, performing acts similar to Moses (manna), Elijah (meat and oil), and Elisha (loaves) in miraculous ways. Luke was saying the work of kingdom was accompanied by acts of abundant grace and generosity. It was a promise of more blessings to come to those who followed Christ in his mission of compassion, invitation, and justice and mercy.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The fishermen did nothing to warrant or merit Jesus’ call to follow him.
2. The call to follow comes amid daily life and work.
3. Jesus commissions or “co-missions” us to invite others to follow him.
4. Jesus calls us to reorder our priorities and give of ourselves to our true capacity. We are obedient to that call as we engage in Christ’s mission.

Questions to Consider

1. How have you experienced the call to follow Jesus?
2. What stories of transformation can you share with the congregation?
3. With whom does your congregation share the hope of the kingdom? How do you uphold a relationship of love with them?
4. Become familiar with the church’s latest words of counsel on grace and generosity. How are you being called to give according to your true capacity and what does that look like?