Life’s Turning Points

That day, as always, a large crowd gathered around the young rabbi, who was new on the scene. Amazed at His wonderful teachings, the crowd sought Him out wherever He went. And now that news of His miracles had spread, the people pressed on Him even more, almost backing Him into the Sea of Galilee. So Jesus boarded Simon Peter’s boat, and asked him to row out a little from the shore.

It was early morning and Peter was tired from a long night of fruitless fishing, but he complied. He knew this rabbi, and had seen that there was something different about him.

He’d been present when Christ turned the water into wine. He’d been awed, frightened even, to see Jesus drive the merchants and moneychangers out of the temple. Here was one with power and authority. One worth listening to.

So though weary and perhaps discouraged, Peter rowed away from the shore.

He was happy to have a front seat row. Glad to be near the teacher who somehow attracted him. “This rabbi is special,” Peter thought, “and definitely sent by God. No one could do the miracles He does unless God sent Him.”

“And He isn’t lining His own pockets, like our religious leaders do. But as great as wine from water is, it certainly won’t fill my pockets,” he concluded, and he desperately needed a good catch. Times had been hard lately. So even after seeing the Lord’s miracles, Peter had returned to his boat. Back to making a living the only way he knew how.

And then, when Jesus had finished His teaching – that’s when He said, “Row out into the deep and let down your nets to catch some fish.” The Lord knew that fishermen worked mostly at night. He might have even seen Peter’s empty boat coming in and knew they’d fished all night in vain.

But Peter, perhaps catching the Lord’s intense gaze, obeyed going against his fisherman’s instinct. “This is crazy!” he thought, “Everyone knows the fishing is better at night! And yet, there’s something about this teacher…”

Or maybe, before he could even think, he was calling for help, as the nets broke under the weight of the fish. Experienced fisherman that he was, Peter knew there was something miraculous about this catch. Think of it, surely one of largest ever seen in those parts!

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Luke 5:8-10

Peter’s turning point

He had just made the biggest catch of his career, enough to take care of his family for a long while. Comfort was now within reach, but he didn’t seem to be thinking about that at all.

A glimpse of Christ

Peter had caught a glimpse of Christ’s true identity. And in his delightfully spontaneous way, the burly fisherman threw himself at Jesus’ feet, knowing that he wasn’t worthy to even be in His presence. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

It’s interesting to note that Jesus told Peter to not fear, as if to say, “Nothing is impossible for me. So don’t worry; I’ll take care of you. You just need to follow me in complete obedience.”

So instead of rushing to take their huge catch to market, Peter and his companions left their nets and followed Him. They’d caught a glimpse of who Jesus truly is, and with that revelation, they left everything because they realized that He is worthy of everything.

Just as He did with Peter, God works to bring each of us to turning points in our lives. These pivotal moments allow us to catch a glimpse of Christ’s true identity, inspiring us to joyfully surrender everything and follow Him wholeheartedly.

They left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:11

📷 Image credits: both are by www.LumoProject.com from FreeBibleImages.com.