A fish-eye view of Luke 5:1-11

This week I am preaching from Luke 5:1-11, it is the famous "Great Catch" story in the Bible. I have heard this sermon preached dozens of times, I have read many commentaries, but I am yet to hear mention of the example the fish give us.

In a passage on discipleship and mission we often view Peter's reaction and response and learn a lesson on what Jesus calls for when commissioning people to follow and serve. Don't get me wrong, we can never study and try to live out the truths of this text enough. But it occurred to me that beneath the water a more advanced version of discipleship was on display.

For full disclosure I must admit that I am a closet Franciscan, and I read every Francis of Assisi biography that presents itself, so my hermeneutics are definitely ruined (or enhanced) by that association.

Anyway, when Jesus tells Peter to cast his net into the water I believe two commands were given. One command was the aforementioned "cast your net into the water," and another was unheard but understood. For when Peter obeyed Jesus the fish that evaded him all night suddenly began rushing headlong into their doom!

Now let me be careful here lest I be accused of comparing discipleship to suicide missions. That is not my intent!

The fish played a huge part in fostering belief in Peter, James, and John that day. Because they were obedient to God's will, even to the point of personal sacrifice of the utmost kind, at least three men came to follow Jesus.

May we all hear and obey, without reservation, like these fish did.

Ok, I know this is full of conjecture and borders on extreme eisegesis, but that's why I refer to myself as God's Court Jester.

When you work third shift these things go through your mind.

In foolishness,

God's Court Jester.