Have you ever wondered about the apostles in the Gospels? Who they actually were, where they came from, and how they got to be some of the most famous people in the world, known for their roles in Scripture and relationships with Jesus? In the beginning of Luke 5, we get a glimpse into the life of the most famous apostle, Simon Peter, and how he became a follower of Jesus.
Peter first enters the story as the owner of the fishing boat on which Jesus performs the miraculous catch. When Peter first meets Jesus, he refers to him as master (Luke 5:5). This word in Greek demonstrates someone like an elder—someone with respect. But Peter doesn’t quite understand who Jesus is at first. However, after Jesus performs the miraculous catch, filling the nets with so many fish they are bursting, Peter begins to understand. At the miracle, Peter is awestruck and he falls to his knees. His heart had been prepared for this miracle because immediately after witnessing it, he begins to refer to Jesus as Lord (Luke 5:8).
Peter immediately recognizes he is not worthy to be in a relationship with or in proximity to Jesus. He reminds Jesus who he is—a sinner, someone unworthy. However, Jesus does not need reminding, because throughout his ministry, we see that Jesus does not depart from sinners, but draws closer into intimate relationships with them.
As soon as the men return to land, they leave everything and follow Jesus. This is the moment when we witness Peter become an apostle. Along with Peter, we are challenged with the same mission. As Christians, we are to follow Jesus with the same commitment. While our journeys and paths may vary from one another, the mission is the same for all of us.
Reflection:
- Take a moment to dream about what it would look like for the men to drop everything and follow Jesus.
- What is the mission the apostles received and that you also receive today? How do you live this out?