Young People's Group

“FROM NOW ON, YOU WILL CATCH MEN”

by Pastor Mitch
January 20, 2008

Seeing The Power Of The Lord Jesus

Discipleship includes the idea of discovering the greatness of the Lord Jesus. The disciple Peter had been taught by the Lord Jesus. He had been called to follow Him. But he had not come to see Jesus for who He really is. Peter and his partners had toiled all night in the Sea of Galilee but they did not catch any fish. The Lord told him to launch out into the deep. Peter followed His word and saw His great power at work.

“And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.” 
Luke 5:6

Peter had never seen such a great catch before. He no longer saw Jesus as a mere teacher. He recognized Him as one who was divine.

Realizing How Sinful We Are Before The Lord

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!'” 
Luke 5:8

Peter came and bowed before the Lord Jesus. Before Peter saw the miracle, he called Jesus “Master”. He saw Jesus as only a mere teacher. However, after beholding this great spectacle, his mind changed. He now recognized Jesus as the Lord. With this recognition, there was also the personal realization and consciousness of how sinful he was. There came a deep sense of unworthiness before the Lord. This is something that we too must feel. Young people, we must come to realize how sinful we are before God.

The Challenge To Be Fishers Of Men

“Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 
Luke 5:10

Peter had learned to fear the Lord. The Lord sent out another challenge that he was now ready to go out to “catch” men. Peter was now a person who was more sensitive to the problem of sin. He realized how sinful he was and he would be better able to reach out to other sinners. The Lord’s challenge to Peter was to win souls for the Lord.

Forsaking All To Follow The Lord

“So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” 
Luke 5:11

Peter and company rose up to the call that the Lord gave. They were now totally obedient to the call to be His disciples. They forsook all that they had to follow Him. Young people, what are we willing to give up to follow the Lord Jesus? Let’s also seek to sacrifice for His sake. Let’s be serious in being disciples.

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