Because You Told Me

(#17) Lessons from Luke 5:1-11

Artwork Above by Substack Author & Artist: Janis Cox

Devotional: Luke 5:1-11

Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to hear the voice of Jesus? Just like a fingerprint, each person’s voice is unique.

The disciple John described Jesus’ voice as the sound of rushing waters, highlighting its power and clarity - a voice unlike any other.

Water is essential for life and often used in the Bible as a symbol of cleanliness, healing, and vitality. As our Savior, Jesus desires to cleanse us from sin, heal our wounds, and provide His life-giving Word to guide us.

Ultimately, His voice is the only one that truly matters - it is the water for our souls.

Calling Fisherman at the Sea of Galilee

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.” – Luke 5:1-3

Imagine Jesus standing near the shore, sunlight dancing off the waves. You hear a man speaking, and His voice is unlike any other. It carries an authority and grace that pulls you in.

As you listen, His words flow like a healing balm, soothing your weary soul. His voice calls to the wounded. Are you among them? Are you wounded?

Ordinary Choices, Extraordinary Impact.

Many have written about the first disciples, who on the surface appear to be ordinary men: Andrew, James, John, and Simon Peter.

They were not religious, wealthy, or well-connected. Andrew is humble and resourceful. Peter himself is bold, courageous, and impulsive, making him relatable to many. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, display a competitive spirit and quick tempers, yet they show a protective love.

Why did Jesus choose them? Robert Coleman states, “They were indeed unlearned and ignorant, according to the world’s standards, but they were teachable.” Are you teachable?

The Struggles of Night Fishing.

Fishing work is hard work. Imagine wearing wet clothes for hours; it must have been both lonely and exhausting. After working hard all night without a catch, the effort feels even more frustrating.

Fish typically feed after sunset, and despite being in the right place and putting in the labor, they yielded no results.

Despite the challenges and frustrations of fishing, the resilience and patience learned through this trade serve in preparation for ministry work. Ministry work is not easy work, there will be times of discouragement but perseverance and dedication to the higher calling are essential.

How can lessons learned through your trade experiences help you navigate challenges of living by faith?

Letting down the nets.

^“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Push out into the deep water. Let down your nets for some fish.” ⁵ Simon said to Him, “Teacher, we have worked all night, and we have caught nothing. But because You told me to, I will let the net down.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish, their net started to break.” – Luke 5:4-6

Peter’s eyes must have met Jesus under the radiant sun. I wonder how long he looked at Him before dropping the net. In that moment, as Peter released the net, he also surrendered to the understanding that Jesus knew best the next step for him.

Will you listen for His voice for your next step with Him?

“So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” - Luke 5:11

References & Resources:

• Artwork, Fishers of Men, created by Substack Artist & Author: Janis Cox

• Voice of Jesus, sound of rushing waters; Revelation 1:15.

• Lake of Gennesaret also known as the Sea of Galilee.

• Coleman, Robert. The Master Plan of Evangelism. Grand Rapids: Revell, 1993.

• Listen to a Sermon on this passage: The Life The Lord Uses by H.B. Charles Jr.