Reflections on Luke 5:1-11
Matthew, Mark and Luke all offer an account of Jesus’ calling his first disciples. While there are differences in the details, each of the three stories end the same way, “They left everything and followed him [Jesus].” There is a completeness in the narrative: Jesus arrives, he calls to fishermen, they respond and they follow him. It appears that the issue of discipleship has been settled by 5:11. This leads to an affirmation and a caution in how the story is told.
On the one hand, it is important to recognize that there comes a point in time when we must respond to the call of Jesus. Following Jesus as a disciple is different than listening to Jesus as a member of the crowd. To find the full blessings of faith and faithfulness, we must make a commitment to the Savior who is already committed to us. I affirm the focus on making a decision.
On the other hand, even though the story of the fishermen-turned-disciples seems complete, we know that it isn’t finished. While Simon, James and John (and presumably Andrew based on Matthew’s and Mark’s account) leave everything to follow Jesus, the call of discipleship is clarified, reinforced, and concretized throughout their journeys with Jesus. While an initial commitment to Christ’s call is important, we also need to caution all followers that this is not a “one and done” response. The road of discipleship is never complete. We always are moving forward into the call of Christ to both live into and share God’s eternal love. Certainly these first disciples began to follow Jesus. This starts a basic trajectory in their lives. However, their path will continually be refined.
The disciples will have their understanding of who God invites expanded as Jesus journeys into Gentile and Samaritan territory and offers grace and mercy. They will learn that following Jesus not only means meeting adoring crowds, hungry for his teachings, but also journeying to Jerusalem, where he will give his life as a ransom for many. Their call will change from “come and learn” to “go and tell.” These are but a few examples of how Jesus’ call to his disciples continued to be enhanced and focused.
I have experienced this development in my own ministry. It began with the general call to discipleship arising out of baptism and moved to the more specific call to ordination. Within my pastoral experiences, the call of Jesus has led me from focusing only on congregational needs to embracing the needs within the larger community. I have moved from developing disciples to making disciples. I have come to understand the call of the Gospel to affirm the dignity and sanctity of all lives, especially those who are neglected or ignored by society. I have learned the importance of an anti-racist stance and to be open to voices that articulate where my blind spots are.
In Luke 5, Simon presents to us an object lesson in hearing and responding to a call from Jesus. Based on Luke’s description, Simon is not part of the crowd clamoring to hear Jesus’ teaching. Rather, he was somewhere else washing his nets. We learn later in the story that Simon and his companions had just experienced a disappointing and unsuccessful night of fishing. The fact that Simon responds to Jesus’ request to use his boat as a teaching platform doesn’t seem particularly earthshaking. However, when Jesus starts telling Simon how, when and where to fish that seems a bit extreme. To have a “land-lover” tell him how to ply his trade must have seemed aggravating, at the very least aggravating to Simon. After all, he was a professional fisherman. Yet, Simon demonstrates enough humility not only to listen to Jesus’ words, but to act upon them. In the end, Simon and his friends experience a miraculous catch of fish and a different orientation to their lives.
As an aside, I don’t think Luke’s purpose in telling this story is to imply that every act of faith will be compensated with a tangible reward. While it is true that God rewards faithfulness, the reward is not necessarily material. Being generous with our money does not guarantee that we will become wealthy. However, when we respond to Jesus’ invitation with humility and faith, we most certainly will be amazed.
I don’t know if you are feeling like one of the crowd – earnestly and excitedly seeking Jesus and his teachings – or if you are more like Simon – feeling a little bit dejected at trying your hardest and have it not pan out. Perhaps you feel a little bit of both. Whatever the comportment of your spirit, I pray that you will hear Jesus’ call and you will continue to follow him along the road of discipleship.
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