Jesus was walking and standing by the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Lake of Gennesaret) with a crowd of people pressed around him and listening to God’s word. He saw two brothers, Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew, casting and cleaning their nets, for they were fishermen. Jesus got into one of the boats belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then, Jesus sat down and taught the people from the boat. (Luke 5:1-3, Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16)
Peter Knows How He Is
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let your nets down for a haul.” But Simon replied, “Master, we labored through the night and took in nothing; but on your word I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught so many fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their friends in another boat so that they could come and help them. They filled both boats so much that they were beginning to sink. When Simon saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:4-8)
Amazement had ceased Simon and all those with him at the haul of the fish they gathered. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. Come, follow me, and you will be fishers of men from now on.” At once, Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus. When Jesus had gone a bit further and without delay connected with James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John (who were in the other boat helping Simon and Andrew). Jesus also called them, and they left their boats with their father, Zebedee, and the hired men and followed him. (Luke 5:9-11, Mathew 4:19-22, Mark 1:17-20)
Jesus Teaches With Power
They went to Capernaum and, immediately entering the synagogue on the Sabbath, began teaching them. They were astounded at his teaching because his speech had power and not as the scribes. In the synagogue, a man was having the spirit of an impure demon crying out in a loud voice, “Ah, what is there between us and you, Jesus the Nazarene? Did you come to destroy us? I recognize you, who you are, the holy one of God.” And Jesus rebuked it, saying, “Be silent and come out from him.” And the impure demon spirit, throwing him down and convulsing in front of everyone and shouting with a loud voice, came out from him, doing him no injury. Everyone was astonished, and amazement came over them as they debated amongst themselves, saying, “What speech is this? A new teaching with power; that he commands the unclean and impure spirits with authority they come out and obey him?” Rumors and reports concerning Jesus immediately went into every place in the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31b-37)
Demons Knows Who Jesus Is
And immediately departing from the synagogue, they went into the house of Simon (Peter) and Andrew, along with James and John. However, Simon’s mother-in-law was laid out, stricken with a great fever, and they appealed to Jesus concerning her. Jesus approached and stood over her, raising her up, taking hold of her hand, and rebuking the fever. The fever left her, and she waited on them. When evening came, after the sun had set, all those who were sick from various diseases and those possessed by demons brought them to him. And the whole city was assembled at the door. Jesus, laying his hands on each one of them, healed them. And the demons also came out from many, crying out and saying: “You are the son of God.” But rebuking them, he did not allow the demons to speak because they knew him to be the Anointed. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” [Isaiah 53:4] (Mark 1:29-34, Luke 4:38-41, Matthew 8:14-17)
Discussion Questions
- Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him and become “fishers of men.” What do you think it means to be a fisher of men, and how can we follow Jesus’ call to share His message with others in our own lives?
- When Simon Peter witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, he fell to Jesus’ knees and acknowledged his own sinfulness. Why do you think Simon reacted this way, and what can we learn from his humility and recognition of Jesus’ holiness?
- In the synagogue, Jesus taught with authority and cast out an impure spirit, astonishing the people. How does Jesus’ authority over unclean spirits demonstrate His divine power? How can we rely on Jesus’ power and authority in our own spiritual battles?
- When Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law and many others who were sick or possessed by demons, He showed compassion and care for those in need. What can we learn from Jesus’ example of healing and helping others? How can we show compassion to those who are suffering around us?
- The demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God and the Anointed, but He rebuked them and did not allow them to speak. Why do you think Jesus silenced the demons, and what does this tell us about the importance of the timing and manner in which Jesus’ identity and mission were revealed?
