Jesus Calls The First Disciples Series

Every true disciple says what Peter said, “I am a sinful man, O Lord.” And he does not only do it once, at the start of the Christian life, but he does it constantly, throughout his Christian life.

IV. A True Disciple Tells Others About Jesus (5:10b)

Fourth, a true disciple tells others about Jesus.

Thankfully, Jesus does not leave us in a penitent state. First, he said to Simon, “Do not be afraid” (5:10b). Jesus assured Peter that his sins did not disqualify him from God’s love. In fact, it is only those who recognize and confess their sins that God will forgive and use.

And then Jesus said to Simon Peter, “From now on you will be catching men” (5:10b). Jesus was calling Peter to serve him by catching men. This calling was not only for Peter but every true disciple of Jesus. While it is true that some have the gift of evangelism, all true disciples of Jesus are to be actively engaged in the enterprise of evangelism. All true disciples tell others about Jesus.

Let me ask you: when is the last time someone came to faith in Jesus because of you? When is the last time you shared the gospel with someone?

Let me make another bold statement: If you never cast your fishing rod, you will never catch a fish! It is just that simple. So, how do you catch people for Jesus? Invite them to church. Invite them to a Bible study. Invite them to a fellowship event. Tell them about Jesus. Tell them about what God has done in your life. Make Jesus a natural part of your daily conversation with everyone!

A true disciple tells others about Jesus.

V. A True Disciple Leaves Everything Behind to Follow Jesus (5:11)

Finally, a true disciple leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.

Luke tells us that when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him (5:11). This is one of the most dramatic moments in Luke’s Gospel. It is at this point that they were now truly surrendered and became wholehearted followers of Jesus.

You may say, “Surely you don’t mean that I am to leave everything behind to follow Jesus?” Yes, I do mean that. That is the demand of the gospel. A true disciple of Jesus leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.

Listen, far too many people “call themselves Christians, but they are not willing to leave behind selfish ambitions, sinful pleasures, comfortable surroundings, bitter grudges, precious idols, or simply the right to live the way they want to live.” Imagine if Peter said that he would follow Jesus but that he wanted to bring his fishing boat along, just in case things didn’t quite work out? If he had done that, he would not be a true disciple of Jesus.

A true disciple of Jesus leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.

Conclusion

Therefore, having analyzed Jesus’ calling of his first disciples in Luke 5:1-11, we must commit ourselves to be true disciples of Jesus.

Jesus is calling every one of us to follow him.

What does it take to be a true disciple of Jesus?