Summary
This message explores the radical transformation that occurs when we truly encounter Jesus, using the story of Simon Peter from Luke 5:1-11 as our foundation. We witness four profound changes: a change of catch (from empty nets to overflowing boats), a change of audience (from public teaching to personal calling), a change of response (from reluctant obedience to reverent worship), and ultimately, a change of mission (from fishing for fish to fishing for people). The sermon challenges us to recognize that when we finally understand who Jesus is, we simultaneously discover who we truly are—sinful people in desperate need of grace. The distinction between calling Jesus ‘master’ (acknowledging He’s in charge) versus ‘Lord’ (recognizing we belong to Him) cuts to the heart of genuine discipleship. Perhaps most striking is the realization that Jesus allowed Peter to catch exactly what he’d been working for all night, only to ask him to leave it all behind. This reminds us that being caught by Jesus is far more valuable than catching whatever we’ve been chasing in life. The call to mission isn’t a separate step that comes after conversion; it’s woven into the very fabric of following Christ. When we say ‘yes’ to Jesus, we’re simultaneously saying ‘here I am, send me.’
Key Scripture – Read Luke 5:1-11
Key Takeaways
- Love motivates us to say “Here I am” before knowing the destination
- God’s plan trumps our strategy every time
- When we discover who Jesus is, we discover who we really are
- Following Jesus and being sent on mission happen simultaneously
Discussion Questions
Change of Catch – Read Luke 5:1-7
- Simon fished all night with his expertise and caught nothing, but when he obeyed Jesus, the nets were overflowing. When have you experienced God doing more through His plan than your own strategy could accomplish?
- Why do you think God often works when “the odds are stacked against us”? How does this impact who gets the credit?
- Share about a time when your best efforts produced nothing, but God’s intervention changed everything.
Change of Audience – Read Luke 5:4-5
- Peter received a personal message from Jesus while listening to public teaching. When has God spoken to you personally through a sermon, Bible study, or teaching?
- How can we position ourselves to hear God’s personal word to us through the public teaching of Scripture?
Change of Response – Read Luke 5:5, 8
- Peter moved from calling Jesus “Master” (boss) to “Lord” (my boss). What’s the practical difference between acknowledging Jesus as a boss versus your boss?
- When Peter encountered Jesus’ authority, his first response was “I’m a sinful man.” Why does recognizing who Jesus is help us see who we really are?
- Peter showed “reluctant obedience” at first (“if you say so”). Where in your life might you be reluctantly obeying rather than reverently following?
Change of Mission – Read Luke 5:10-11
- Jesus waited until Peter had two boatloads of fish before calling him to a new mission. Why do you think Jesus didn’t call him when the nets were empty?
- The sermon stated: “The day you signed up to follow Jesus is the day you signed up to be on mission with Jesus.” How does this challenge the idea that mission is only for “super Christians” or those called to full-time ministry?
- What does it look like to add “on mission with God” to your current role? (Examples given: teacher on mission, homemaker on mission, consultant on mission)
Scripture Reference
- Luke 5:1-11 – The primary text of the sermon (Peter’s miraculous catch of fish)
- Genesis 22 – Abraham’s response “Here I am” (when God called him)
- Genesis 32:24-30 – Jacob wrestling with God and responding “Here I am”
- Exodus 3:1-4 – Moses at the burning bush responding “Here I am”
- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 – Samuel hearing God’s call and responding “Here I am”
- Isaiah 6:8 – Isaiah’s response “Here I am, send me”
- 1 Samuel 17 – David and Goliath (referenced in the sermon illustration)
- Luke 10 – Jesus sending out the disciples (harvest is plentiful, workers are few)