From now on you will catch men 

(Keys to a fulfilling life)

Luke 5:1-11

Key Verse 5:10

And so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

This passage teaches us seven keys to living a life which is truly fulfilling. 

1. Read vs. 1-2. This passage says that while others immersed themselves in the Bible conference, they (the fishermen) were washing "their nets." What does this tell us about them as disciple-candidates?

** This shows their good points and bad points. 

On the good side, we can say that Simon was a faithful man, knowing how to take care of himself and others (like his family members). He was a responsible man. He also demonstrated that he knew how to control himself, doing what he was supposed to do, like washing the nets. He is like a student who does his homework, cleans his room, empties his garbage basket, etc. 

On the bad side, however, his faithfulness (being faithful to his own business) works as a hindrance to his coming to Jesus. So like Levi, Jesus had to visit him, and extricate him from this snare.

2. Read v. 3a. How do you think Jesus might have gotten into Simon's boat? Why might Jesus have asked Simon to put out a little from shore? In what respect was it not easy for Simon to honor Jesus' request? What does Simon's positive response show us about him as a disciple-candidate?

** Per prior approval of Simon. 

** Because he was on the verge of being pushed into the sea and drowning. 

** He might have been exhausted after the night of fishing. 

** He was mindful of, and was willing to sacrifice his own interests for the sake of other's interests, like the needs Jesus (and his crowds) had. 

3. Read v. 3b. This passage indicates that Simon had to let Jesus use his boat for a considerably long period of time. What does this suggest to us about Simon Peter as a disciple-candidate? 

** He was patient. He was also ready to go the extra mile for others. 

4. Read vs. 4-5. What shows that it might not have been easy for Simon to obey what Jesus said? Yet, why did he obey? What does this indicate to us about Simon as a disciple-candidate? 

** Because of his respect for Jesus. Basically he respected others as better than himself. 

** He was humble enough to deny his own ideas and try again. It also tells us about his wisdom to handle failures - the wisdom of failing 7 times and trying again! 

5. Read vs. 6-7 and describe the catch. How did he "manage" it into the boats? What does Simon's action reveal to us about Simon as a disciple-candidate? 

** The catch was huge.

** He learned to "work" together with other "partners". Some people are so wrapped up in themselves that they try to do everything by themselves. These people rarely have "friends." But Simon had lots of friends to work with. 

6. Read vs. 8-10a and describe Simon's reaction to the success. What does his reaction tell us about Simon as a disciple-candidate?

** Three reactions: 1) he fell at Jesus' knees; 2) he asked Jesus to go away from him; and 3) he confessed, "I am a sinful man."

** He learned how to handle this success. At the moment of huge success, he saw the hands of "God”,  and at the same time his "sinful" condition. Instead of becoming proud, success brought him to his knees. This is perhaps the most important key to living a blessed life as a fisher of men. 

7. Read vs. 10b-11 and describe the new direction Jesus gave to Simon. What did he do with this direction? What does this tell us about Simon as a disciple-candidate?

** The ability to make a "decision" by faith. He was a "decisive" person. 

The end.