Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, January 26, 2025
by Pr. Sara Gorman, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: We never know what is next.
Simon thought he had his life figured out. The family trade was fishing, and while he didn’t love it, he knew how important the skill and the career would be. Not only would his family be able to eat whenever they were hungry, he would also be able to make some money to support his family in other ways.
The man in the boat was someone Simon had met not long ago, when Jesus healed his mother-in-law. So, while Simon trusted Jesus to a degree, he still didn’t know much about him. After all, Jesus looked as if he was going to steal the boat until Simon rowed him to deeper waters. Jesus trusted Simon for more than an escape plan.
Jesus telling Simon to cast his net and it coming back overflowing proved to Simon that this guy in the boat with him really was powerful. As if saving his mother-in-law wasn’t enough, this encounter changed Simon’s life in more ways than he could imagine.
The abundance of fish would feed Simon’s family and community for a long time, and Simon likely would be able to rest the next day. But Jesus doesn’t even give Simon enough time to think about the possibilities, because he calls him to something greater. Fishing for people.
Had anyone asked Simon months or even hours before, there is no way he would have been able to predict his life taking this particular turn. Fishing for people made absolutely no sense, and this man named Jesus was practically a stranger. What in the world could he want from Simon and the others? They were ordinary men just trying to get by. But it’s because they were ordinary that Jesus chose them. They were relatable, knew the community, and had relationships that would make a difference. And it’s because Jesus trusted Simon that Simon trusted Jesus.
