Jesus’ miracles illustrate His sovereignty over creation. Each one sends a clear message that Jesus is Lord. Today's miracle focus has something more: an invitation. Are we willing to let down the nets? Like Peter, we'll find that when we respond in faith to Jesus, a miraculous harvest awaits… the work of the Gospel! Will we respond to Christ's invitation to be a part in the greatest journey the world will ever know?

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

5 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and He saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, He asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Read Luke 5:1-11 together.

2. When Peter gets a glimpse into Jesus’ power, what was his response? Why did he react this way? Even Jesus’ reply might come as a surprise; what does He say to Peter? What does this encounter tell us about Peter? About Jesus? What might this say to us?

3. What would it look like if you saw your life connected to the mission of Jesus - “catching people”? Does that excite you? Frighten you? Confuse you? Or something else? Share together. 

4. At the end, Peter and those with him left everything and followed Jesus. What might be holding you back from following Jesus completely? What areas of comfort might Jesus be calling you to leave behind? It would maybe take a miracle for some of us; but thanks be to God Jesus gives us the miracle of faith!

5. Encourage each other’s faith - point out areas of strength and build one another up in areas that might need strengthening.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Luke 5:1-11 together as a family.

2. What do you like about this story? What is Jesus showing Peter and us? What is Jesus inviting Peter and us into? What does that require?

3. Make a list of what makes a good leader. Then think about what kind of people Jesus chooses to be leaders with Him. What do you think Jesus looks for in people to tell others about Him?

4. Think of a friend you can pray for. Ask Jesus to help you tell your friend about Him, and invite them to church next week.