October 2, 2026
Scripture – “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 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. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.””
Luke 5:4-10 NIV
Observation – After fishing all night and not catching anything Jesus tells Simon to let his nets down for a catch. Peter doesn’t want to because he knows he won’t catch anything but he does it anyway because Jesus told him to do it. When they catch so many fish that their nets begin to break Peter’s immediate response is to feel his own sinfulness and he believes he isn’t worthy to be around Jesus. Jesus tells him not to be afraid because he is going to use him to save people.
Application – When Jesus tells you to do something and you really believe that it isn’t going to work out do you it anyway because Jesus told you to do it or do you rely on your own wisdom? What is the outcome of this story if Peter says, “I’m not letting my nets down Jesus because there are no fish here, it isn’t worth my time, I’ve worked all night and I’m going home and going to bed”? How has your obedience to Jesus impacted your life and others? Can you think of a time Jesus told you to do something but you disobeyed because you thought you knew better than him? What was the outcome of that situation?
Prayer – Lord, help us to trust in you with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. Amen.
