Lk 5:1-11
Process for discipleship: The account of Simon’s call and the miraculous catch of fish presents the process that Luke establishes for discipleship. This process reveals some of Luke’s favorite themes woven throughout the Gospel.
First, there is teaching. The crowd is pressing in on Jesus to listen to God’s word; Jesus gets into a boat and teaches the crowds from the boat.
Second, a response to the word of God is necessary. Jesus tells Simon to lower the nets for a catch. The response is obedience to the word of God.
Third, after obeying the word, one realizes how unworthy one really is. Seeing the miraculous catch, Simon Peter falls at the knees of Jesus and declares his sinfulness. No human person is worthy or capable of making a response on his or her own; the word is God’s gracious gift to his people.
Fourth, once the word is taught, heard, and obeyed, and the individual realizes how unworthy he or she is, then the person is given a mission. Simon Peter, James, and John are told they will be catching people. They become disciples or teachers of the word. They leave everything and follow Jesus.