2025-02-09, Luke5:1-11 A Life Transformed by the Word: The Word at the Center of Our Lives

Today, I invite you on a little journey. Let’s travel back to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It’s early morning. The sun is rising over the water, casting a golden glow across the lake. The air is fresh, and the lake is calm. The fishermen, especially our friend Peter, have been out all night casting their nets, trying to catch fish. But what’s the result? Completely empty nets. Can you think of a time in your life when you’ve put in so much effort, and yet it felt like you were getting nowhere? Have you ever felt that way? You work so hard, but it seems like nothing comes of it. You cast your nets, but they come up empty. I think we’ve all been there at some point in our lives. When we work hard and see no results, it’s disappointing and draining. You cast your nets, but nothing comes up. That’s exactly how Peter must have felt. Here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. Peter, washing his nets, is approached by Jesus, who asks if he can borrow his boat to teach the crowd. Peter, thinking he might earn a little money for his trouble, agrees. But after Jesus teaches, He turns to Peter and says, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Peter is a professional fisherman. He’s seen it all. He’s been working all night, casting nets into the sea, and he hadn’t seen a single fish. Plus, everyone knows fish aren’t caught during the day—let’s be real. And here comes this carpenter-turned-rabbi telling him to try again. What do you think Peter was feeling? Confused? Frustrated? Can you hear him saying, “Jesus, I’ve been fishing for years! This isn’t how it works. Why should I try again?” It must have felt like a crazy idea. But despite his doubts, Peter says, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” Why did Peter obey? First, Peter had been listening to Jesus’ teaching. He was right beside Jesus, hearing Jesus’ words. Second, Peter didn’t just believe in Jesus; he believed in the word. We don’t know exactly what Jesus said that day, but it must have been so authority that Peter was willing to set aside his own experience and knowledge to obey. And what happened next? I’m sure Peter couldn’t believe his eyes! The nets were so full of fish, they started to break! He had to signal his friends for help. Soon, both boats were so full they were almost sinking! Imagine the excitement, the chaos, the shock. One minute, Peter’s thinking, “This is crazy, I’m done,” and the next minute, he’s practically swimming in fish! What a turn of events! Here’s a question for you: Do you think following Jesus means you’ll get rich? I don’t think anyone here believes that, but let me tell you, I’ve met people who come to church hoping that’s the case. Can you become rich by following Jesus? Sure, in some ways. But here’s the thing: when you truly follow Jesus, material wealth should never become the goal of life. In fact, too much wealth can be more of a curse than a blessing. Peter had the chance to get rich that day—those two boatloads of fish? That’s some serious money! But instead of rushing off to cash in on his catch, Peter does something totally unexpected. He falls to his knees before Jesus and says, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Can you feel the weight of that moment? Why did Peter confess his sin so suddenly? I believe this miracle opened Peter’s eyes in a profound way. He realized that Jesus wasn’t just a wise teacher anymore—Jesus had become the Lord. And with that realization, Peter also saw the truth about himself. His knowledge, his experience—they weren’t enough. His pride was blinding him. And in that instant, he couldn’t help but cry out, “Lord, I’m a sinner!” Can you remember a time in your life when you had that “aha” moment, when everything shifted? It wasn’t about fish, but about realizing your own limitations and seeing God’s greatness. That’s the transformation Peter experienced, and it’s the one we can experience too. Now, this is the turning point of the story! You can really see a shift between Peter in verses 1-5 and Peter in verses 6-8. The difference? Peter went from meeting Jesus as a guest to making Him the Lord of his life. Jesus says to Peter, “From now on, you will be catching people.” Can you imagine that? Peter, who spent his entire life catching f ish, is now told he will catch people! In that moment, Peter’s life completely changed. He left behind the boats, the nets, and the fish—everything that he once thought defined him—and followed Jesus. And in doing so, he became a disciple, living a life that was no longer about what he caught, but about what he could give. This story isn’t just about Peter. It’s about us, too! Have we made Jesus the Lord of our lives? When we do, everything changes. Jesus calls us to live for something bigger, something greater than ourselves. Peter didn’t understand why Jesus told him to cast the nets one more time. It didn’t make sense. But Peter obeyed. And because he did, he experienced a miraculous transformation. Sometimes, God asks us to do things that seem impossible or illogical. Even when we’re tired, frustrated, or doubtful, God calls us to step out in faith. But when we do, we experience God’s power in ways we never imagined. Peter could have focused on the fish and kept everything all for himself, but through this event, he realized that the real treasure wasn’t the fish—it was the One who provided the fish. How often do we get so caught up in chasing success, wealth, or status that we forget what really matters? True wealth isn’t what we have—it’s who we know and knowing who we are. When we know Jesus, we have everything we need. Peter’s life changed when he chose to obey the word of Jesus. He went from fishing for fish to fishing for people. When we follow Jesus, our values shift. We no longer live for the things of this world; we live for a higher purpose. Following Jesus isn’t about wealth, comfort, or status—it’s about transformation. Jesus wants us to live for something greater than ourselves, to be changed from the inside out. He gives us a new heart, a new mission, and a new life. When we follow His word, our lives become powerful testimonies of His love. So, friends, let’s pray together that we, too, can become fishers of people, bringing others into the love of Christ. Through His word, we see Him. Through His word, we f ind God. When we follow Jesus’ word, He becomes our Lord, and our lives are transformed.