Jesus’ process in choosing his friends.  Luke 5:1-11  

• Fishermen were great choices for mission and life that were ahead for Jesus and the Kingdom he was going to establish. Wiersbe
  • Fishermen in those times had to have courage to continue in spite of constant disappointment.
  • Fishermen are hard workers and will not be lazy.
  • They are used to working as a team, although they still like to be the greater amongst their peers—fishing stories are sensational to this day!
  • Ultimately, they have faith which is “[being] sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you cannot see…”Hebrews 11:1

• This was the second invitation for them. Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20
  • In Luke’s account they had finished fishing whereas in Matthew and Mark they were still fishing.
  • In Luke’s account Jesus was speaking to a crowd next to the shoreline. In Matthew and Mark Jesus was taking a walk along the shoreline.
  • In Luke there is a great catch of fish that leads to the invitation to no longer fish from a boat but “from now on” to fish for people. In Matthew and Mark Jesus simply invites them to follow him and to fish for men.  

• This means that they had already been on a short term mission trip with Jesus but had resumed their career as fishermen.
• They had already observed Jesus’ authority displayed in his teaching and miracles, therefore they were convinced as to Jesus being superior— “Master”.(5a)
• They were willing to go against all their training to do what Jesus said because they knew him. (5b)

Jesus’ invitation to join him.  Luke 5:4-11

• Jesus does the unthinkable with the amount of fish, location where they caught the fish, and the time of day. “Astonished”they realize he has to be divine. (6)
• Peter realizes he is in the presence of God and declares himself a sinner unworthy of being with Jesus. (8)
• Jesus declared them worthy to go with them. “Don’t be afraid…”(10a) 
• They are no longer going on a short-term trip, they are being invited to go on a life altering journey. (10b-11)

Take aways in living out faith like Jesus.

1. Don’t go it alone.
2. Choose a friend with shared vision and purpose—which means you know them.
3. Choose a friend who is all in.