Luke 5:1-11 invites us into a moment that changes everything. Picture the scene: Simon Peter and his companions, weary from a long night of fruitless fishing, are cleaning their nets when Jesus steps into their boat. What starts as a simple request to push out a little from shore ends with a miraculous catch of fish so abundant it nearly sinks their boats.
But that’s not the real miracle. What happens next changes lives.
Jesus looks at Simon Peter and says, “Do not be afraid; from now on, you will be catching people.” And in response, they leave everything—boats, nets, and the life they’ve known—to follow him.
This passage challenges us to ask: What nets are we holding onto?
For Peter, his nets represented security, identity, and the daily grind of making a living. They were familiar, safe, and predictable. For us, the “nets” we cling to might look different—habits, fears, comforts, or even relationships that keep us tethered to the shore instead of venturing into the deep waters of faith.
Jesus’ invitation to Peter is the same invitation he extends to us: to trust him enough to let go of the things we think we need, so we can follow him into something greater.
But letting go is hard, isn’t it? Sometimes we hold on to our nets because they’re comfortable, even if they’re no longer serving us. Or we grip them tightly because we’re afraid of what might happen if we let go. What if we drop our nets and find that following Jesus doesn’t look the way we thought it would?
This story reassures us: when we trust in Christ, even when it feels risky or counter-intuitive, the result is abundance—not necessarily in material terms, but in a life that is fuller, richer, and more aligned with God’s purpose.
So this week, let’s ask ourselves: What nets might I need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully?
- Is it a fear of failure or unworthiness?
- A need for control or certainty?
- A comfort zone that keeps us from stepping into something new?
And as we reflect, let’s remember Peter’s story. He didn’t have it all figured out when he said yes to Jesus. But he took the first step, leaving his nets behind and trusting that Jesus would guide him.
What first step might Jesus be calling you to take today?
Let us pray:
Gracious God, you call us to leave behind the nets that weigh us down and to trust you as we step into deeper waters. Give us courage to let go, faith to follow where you lead, and hearts open to your abundance. May we find freedom in your call and joy in your purpose. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
