After using Peter’s boat as a floating pulpit, Jesus took advantage of the intimate setting to hook his first disciples. Knowing the task he would set before Simon Peter and the others as they followed him and entered into his ministry, the Lord needed to demonstrate his knowledge, power, and provision in catching fish before he could ask them to catch men. Jesus often shows us that he can provide for our physical needs to demonstrate that he can also provide for our spiritual needs.
As is often the case with the miracles of Jesus, the circumstances surrounding the event paint a bleak, if not impossible, picture. For starters, Jesus, a carpenter, attempted to tell Peter, a seasoned fisherman, how to fish. Then we learn the night before had proved unfruitful in fishing, though they worked themselves to the bone. As if that were not enough, Jesus asked them to lower their nets during the day, a time when fishing usually yielded much smaller catches. Peter, though probably skeptical, responded kindly to Jesus by calling him master and following his orders. Peter dropped the larger nets used for night fishing and waited to see what would happen next. The deck was stacked against them: inexperienced teacher, bad luck, wrong time of day. If only we had a snapshot of Peter’s face as the nets filled and filled! Through Jesus’s presence and instruction, provision overflowed.
Once the two boats teemed and sank with the miraculous catch, Peter realized Jesus exercised power beyond that of a normal man. Though he started by calling Him Master (επιστατα—epistata) a term meant to signify a high social standing, Peter now rightly called Jesus Lord κυριε—kurie), a term that recognized Jesus’ authority and God working through Him. Peter, in the presence of the Lord, felt the weight of his own sinfulness and out of fear asked Jesus to depart so that he might not face judgment or other dangers. At this point Peter learned his second lesson from Jesus: he had not come to condemn but to invite. Although Jesus’s power and provision could lead to immediate judgment for sinners, he came to call Peter and the others to leave the life of fishermen and enter into the life of fishers of men.
Using the miraculous catch of fish as part of His résumé, Jesus communicated through word and deed that in the same way He taught them in this catch, he would most certainly teach them in spiritual matters as his disciples. After all, catching people is like catching fish: it requires Christ’s provision and presence. The miracle ended with Jesus’s calming words to Peter and his invitation to follow him in a life of discipleship and evangelism. Jesus extends that same invitation from the Sea of Galilee two thousand years ago to us today. Will you, like Peter, recognize that Jesus is so much more than a master? Rather, he is the risen Lord and worthy to be followed.
God provided for me.and my two daughters as I went through a divorce with little & no child support. I learned to depend on him. Early one morning feeling defeated I called my Sunday School teacher to pray with me she did then told me that God would bless me through the storm so that I could bless someone else. Sure enough by sharing my testimony with others going through similar situations they realize that God can calm the storm. He is with us in the storm
We have our health and a wonderful family both immediate and extended as well as church family.
Since we have our plentiful blessings through God it’s only natural to show others the benefits of God’s love. It’s not just about family and materials things but the most important blessing of salvation.
I don’t think there has ever been a time that God has not provided or shown me a way. I have face hardships and tragedies in my life, deaths of love ones. May faith help me to move forward. Like Peter, I have had faith that was exuberant at first then the storm and waves begin to rise, and I would sink.
It seems simple but the overall health of my family. I am so blessed with healthy children. Both big and small, providing for me is seen daily in my life. Sometimes I forget to acknowledge that.
Do not fear for the master of the sea is with you. I think sometimes the provision is there with you but you don’t realize it until afterwards I mean his presence provides that provision in words come out of your mouth and everything comes together just how it should and in the moment you don’t realize that it was him and then you take the time to reflect and you realize he was there the whole time and if I can keep remembering that I shouldn’t be afraid I mentioned out offer!
There have been many times in my life where I didn’t know how things were going to get taken care, how things were going to get paid and God always provided, he always made a way. I think the most important thing is to share our stories of not just our victories, but also our struggles and how God provided during those times that we didn’t think there was a way. That is the best way to show his love to others by first leading by example and second sharing our personal stories about how good God has been to us.
Right now in my life I was starting this new chapter in turning to Jesus and I knew I needed move and get a new job but I didn’t know where to go or where to work. There was one add online about a pre school teacher aide job and so I applied and did all the things necessary to get the job. luckily someone I knew was in good cahoots with the management there but she was leaving the next week and retiring. I was able to get the job immediately I thought it was so awesome how I was able to get it almost immediately. The same with me moving I had options I knew a couple who had an extra room and another was my parents and I had one deal breaker I wanted to bring my cat with me one of those options I was able to bring my cat and so I’m moving right now into that place and it’s so much God I wanted it to be somewhat naturey and it totally is I never thought he would answer my small prayers like bringing my cat I told him if I have to give her up I will but I really do not want too. Anyway just I was totally saturated by his presence crying and just wanted to hug him about how awesome he is for providing an amazing opportunity with a cheap deal.
My very life, my friends, my current income, home and everything I need, He has provided an overwhelming abundance! There is no question in my mind where it has all come from.
I’m not afraid to tell people how much God has blessed me and that I’m nothing without Him, but I struggle with talking to people about the gospel. I worry that I’m not sharing the gospel
I’ve jumped before I looked a few
times. I’ve always found a place to stay and work. God has always provided.
One way or another, he has ALWAYS provided. I’ve never had to go a single day without food, clothing or shelter. We just have to trust that God will always provide. Not to stress or worry that God will not be there for me, as he will always be there for everyone who believes