Depart from me
Today's focusAfter a miraculous catch of fish, Peter falls at Jesus' knees feeling unworthy; Jesus says 'Fear not' and calls him to follow.
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4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Reflection
Simon Peter was a professional fisherman who knew the water, yet he had "toiled all the night" and "taken nothing." When Jesus asked him to try again, Peter chose to trust the Master’s voice rather than his own exhaustion. The result was a "great multitude of fishes," so many that the nets began to break and the ships started to sink. In this moment of overwhelming abundance, Peter did not celebrate his profit. Instead, he saw the vast gap between his own heart and the holiness of the One standing in his boat.
Overcome with awe, Peter "fell down at Jesus’ knees," pleading for the Lord to "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man." Like Peter, you may feel that your failures or shortcomings make you unworthy to be near Jesus. Yet, Jesus does not leave. He meets Peter’s fear with the gentle command, "Fear not," and offers him a new purpose: "from henceforth thou shalt catch men." Jesus knows your history and your struggles, yet he still invites you to follow him into a new life of service.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Where do you feel unworthy to follow Jesus, and how does his response to Peter speak to you?
Pray
Lord Jesus, like Peter I sometimes feel unworthy of you. Thank you that you say, 'Fear not.' Help me to leave everything and follow you.