Peter, Andrew, James and John were fisherman, not as a pastime but as a profession. They had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. They were in the process of cleaning their nets, calling it a day. Can you imagine how tired they were and how disgusted they may have been because of their lack of success? Then Jesus arrives.
He asks Peter to push his boat a little ways out into the water. He then begins to preach to the multitudes that came to hear the word of God. What was Peter thinking? Was he excited to hear the word? Or was he thinking, how much longer? I’m tired and want to get some sleep!
When Jesus finishes preaching he instructs Peter to launch out into the deep and to let his nets down for a catch. Peter responds, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your word I will let down the net.” (5:5) Considering his circumstance, how optimistic do you think he is at this point? The catch was so large that it almost sank two boats. Peter’s heart condition is revealed and he responds, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
Now God had men he could use, men that recognized their condition and their need. He didn’t rebuke Peter. He only called Him and the others to “follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19)
Peter may have made the catch of his lifetime, but it was he who was caught. When they came back to shore, they forsook all and followed Him. Who or what has caught your passion and life? Is it a nice house, cars, sports, education, or even family? Or is it Him who calls out to you, “Follow Me?”