The First Great Catch of Fish

Luke 5:1-11

Luke’s Gospel

•Written A.D. 58-59 after Luke’s ten years with Paul

•Orderly account (1:1-3)

•Son of Man

•Many unique parables & miracles

Outline of Luke

Prologue 1:1-4

Pre-Public Life (1:5-4:13)

Galilean Ministry (4:14-9:50)

Travelogue to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27)

Entrance into Jerusalem (19:28-21:38)

Passion Narrative (22:1-24:53)

Galilee = north

Samaria = central

Judea = south

Galilee •Northern region•Capernaum = HQ•More than half of the parables here•Most miracles here•Sea of Galilee: great fishing on the north end

Fishing in the Bible

Genesis 1:26: dominion > fish Jonah & the fishPeter paid his temple taxes by hooking a fish (Matt. 17:27)

Fish Gate – in Jerusalem’s wallFew fish present prior to feeding 5000 and then 4000Fish symbol: ίχθυς

Outline of Luke 5:1-11

Setting (5:1-3)Miracle of the Catch (5:4-7)Response to the Miracle (5:8-11)

Big Idea of Luke 5:1-11This private miracle for the disciples was designed to seal their call to apostolic ministry and teach them that Christ is their source of power in all matters, including “catching men”.

Luke 5:1-11

Setting: Sea of Galilee (5:1-3)•Multitudes pressing in•Two boats & fishermen•Peter’s boat & Jesus

Luke 5:1-11

Miracle of the Catch (5:4-7)Jesus Command (5:4)•Deep Water

Peter’s Trust (5:5)•We CAUGHT NOTHING•But “at your bidding”

Full Catch (5:6-7)•Notice the details

The Details of Luke 5:6-7And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break; and they signaled to their partners in the other boat, for them to come and help them. And they came, and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink.

The Details of Luke 5:6-7And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break; and they signaled to their partners in the other boat, for them to come and help them. And they came, and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink.

POINT: Overwhelming Supply!

Luke 5:1-11Response to the Miracle (5:8-11)

Peter’s Confession (5:8-10a)•Awareness of his sinful state•Amazement & fear by all

Promise of New Fish (5:10b)•Peter = CAUGHT NOTHING •Jesus = CATCHING MEN

Departure to Follow Christ (5:11)

Application•Is the area of my core competency mine or His? •Christ knows my work better than I •“Submit” is a verb•A close encounter with Christ produces self examination & fear•God equips sinful men for sacred service

Application•Our task = Fishing•His task = Catching•Following Christ is a decision•Is Christ calling you to fish the deep waters during the day?