Calling the first disciples - Valaauina o ulua’i soo

Scripture Focus: Luka 5:1-26

Now while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.” When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. They beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. They came, and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.” When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed him. While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. He commanded him to tell no one, “But go your way, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed. On one of those days, he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them. Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus. Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus. Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you;’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house.” Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”
- Luke 5:1-26 (WEB)

Study:

This passage in Luke 5 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry – the calling of his first disciples and a demonstration of his power and authority. The calling of Peter, James, and John doesn’t happen in a grand, formal setting, but in the midst of everyday life. Jesus uses the fishermen’s expertise, asking them to employ their skills, but in faith. The miraculous catch of fish isn’t just about a bountiful harvest; it’s a sign of God’s power and a metaphor for the “catching of people” that these fishermen would now be called to do. Peter’s reaction – falling at Jesus’ knees and acknowledging his sinfulness – highlights the profound effect of encountering the divine. The healing of the leper and the paralyzed man further demonstrate Jesus’ compassion, authority to forgive sins, and power over physical ailments. The resistance from the religious leaders (Pharisees and teachers of the law) underscores the escalating conflict and foreshadows the challenges Jesus would face.

Application:

Like Peter, James, and John, we are all called to leave our comfort zones and follow Jesus. Our “boats” represent our lives, our livelihoods, and our familiar ways of doing things. He asks us to trust him, even when it doesn't make logical sense. We often hesitate, thinking we are unqualified or that our efforts will be in vain. However, Jesus offers a new purpose – not necessarily abandoning our skills, but using them for God’s glory. The passage also encourages us to recognize our own need for forgiveness and to approach Jesus with humility. It reminds us that faith often requires a willingness to step outside of norms and societal expectations, as exemplified by the friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof.

Reflection Questions:

• What “boat” in your life is Jesus asking you to leave?
• How do you react when God asks you to do something that seems impossible?
• In what ways can you use your skills and talents to “catch people” for Christ?
• How does the response of the religious leaders challenge you to examine your own biases and preconceptions?
• What does it mean to truly have faith, as seen in the example of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for calling us to follow you, even when we feel inadequate. Give us courage to step out in faith, to leave our comfort zones, and to use our gifts for your purpose. Help us to recognize your power and compassion in our lives and to share your love with others. Forgive us for our doubts and shortcomings, and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tags: Luke, Gospel of Luke, disciples, calling, Peter, James, John, healing, forgiveness, faith, miracles, Jesus, ministry, leper, paralysis, authority