There is more to the story than just Jesus revealing the location of all those fish to Peter. The story is much like the story of any of us, for the effectiveness of what Christ did is largely impacted by our reaction to it. Sometimes we shrug it off when Jesus does something great for us, and never really appreciate it. Other times we recognize it, and it changes our lives. This is much like the choice between accepting salvation, or denying it. Peter had that choice before him in this passage. His reaction, and the reaction of those with him (two men who also became great disciples), is recounted in Luke 5:8-11:
“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. ‘Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.’ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.”
They were astonished by Jesus for so many reasons. This is shown initially by Peter calling Jesus Lord instead of chief or boss as he had before, and then spelled out. There was more to this then just the number of fish. That wasn’t the only reason Peter thought Christ was too good to be in his presence.
I wrote in the previous entry that catching this much fish was like winning the lottery. That was impressive to Peter, James, and John, but something about Jesus was far more impressive. Jesus didn’t care. There was something of more value to Him than riches. Riches Peter had been pursuing his entire life. Peter realized the insignificance of what he was pursuing compared to what Jesus was doing. Peter, James, and John were astonished by their riches, and astonished by Jesus’ reaction to it. They had been pursuing money, and Jesus showed them there was something far greater to pursue. He wanted them to pursue the souls of men and women. They forsook all so they could.
What they did is just as astonishing as what Jesus did. It is the same thing we should do. The truth about the grace of Jesus is astonishing. That we can be saved from the patterns of sin because a sinless man died for us is astonishing. Our response to that astonishing truth should be equally astonishing. We should never get used to it. Should never hear the truth, consider it, and think that it sure is nice. Should never pull Jesus out only in times of trouble, but still be astonished by Him in times of good.
We should not revolve our lives around getting more money, sleeping with more women, reading more books, getting more high scores on our favorite games, beating our friends at fantasy football, or anything else. These things are not astonishing. Jesus is astonishing. What Jesus has done and can do for us is astonishing. We should be like Peter. We should forsake all our evil pursuits, and follow Him.
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