I. Background Information
II. Look at the Text (Luke 5:1-11)
Luke 5:1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
III. Label the Text
- What do you learn about Simon and his partners? Circle the words that tell you.
- Highlight everything Simon says in this passage.
- Mark anything else you see in the text that seems interesting or important. Write any comments or ideas you have in the margins of the text
- Write at least two questions about this text.
-
-
IV. Reflect on the Text
In v 8-11, what is Simon thinking, feeling? Why?
In v 11, why do you think they left everything to follow Jesus?
V. Personal Application
What experience have you had that changed your view of Jesus or of your relationship to God?
What have you left to follow Jesus? (or what do you need to leave behind?)
