Jesus Calls the First Disciples (Luke 5:1-11)
Luke 5:1-11 – The Calling of the First Disciples
Introduction
In this passage, Jesus calls Simon Peter, James, and John to leave their nets (livelihood) and follow Jesus. Once again, Jesus works in unexpected ways, calling ordinary people from ordinary circumstances into extraordinary purposes.
Luke 5:1: Jesus at the Sea of Galilee
On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.
The setting here is important. Lake Gennesaret (also known as the Sea of Galilee) was a place teeming with life, where people gathered for both commercial and recreational activities. The lake itself had a large fishing industry, as well as a bustling population of travelers and locals. Jesus is standing by the lake, and a crowd is pressing in on him to hear his captivating lessons. This shows the growing popularity of Jesus, as well as the yearning of people to hear his teaching.
The Sea of Galilee is often called Gennesaret (Greek variation) or Kinnereth due
to its shape and historical references. The name comes from the Hebrew word kinnor, which means “harp” or “lyre.” This name reflects the lake’s harp-like shape when viewed from above.
In addition, we see that people aren’t just drawn to his miraculous deeds, but also to his teachings. This sets the stage for what’s to come: a call not just to marvel at Jesus’ power, but to follow him with a new kind of commitment. Jesus’ message was life-changing, and people recognized that.
Who were the 12 Disciples?
Peter (Simon): A fisherman called by Jesus to be a “fisher of men,” Peter became the spokesperson for the disciples and was later a foundational leader in the early church (Matthew 4:19, 16:18).
Andrew (Peter’s brother): Originally a disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus, playing a key role in introducing others to the Messiah (John 1:40-42).
James (son of Zebedee): Known for his zeal and part of Jesus’ inner circle, James was the first apostle to be martyred for his faith (Acts 12:2).
John (brother of James): Often called the “beloved disciple,” John was known for his deep relationship with Jesus, writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation (John 13:23).
Philip: Philip, who brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus, had an insightful encounter with Jesus during the feeding of the 5,000 (John 1:43-46, 6:5-7).
Bartholomew (Nathanael): Nathanael, called Bartholomew, was praised by Jesus for his honesty and faith, declaring him “an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47).
Matthew (Levi): A tax collector turned disciple, Matthew’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ fulfillment of Jewish prophecies and his call to sinners (Matthew 9:9).
Thomas (Didymus): Known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Jesus’ wounds, Thomas’ declaration of faith, “My Lord and my God,” remains a powerful testimony (John 20:24-29).
James (son of Alphaeus): Often referred to as “James the Less” to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, little is known about James, but he followed Jesus faithfully (Mark 15:40).
Thaddaeus (Lebbaeus, son of James): Thaddaeus is noted for his question to Jesus during the Last Supper about why He revealed Himself only to the disciples (John 14:22).
Simon the Zealot: A member of the Zealots, a Jewish group seeking to overthrow Roman rule, Simon’s precise role remains unclear, but he was chosen by Jesus for a purpose (Luke 6:15).
Judas Iscariot: Known for betraying Jesus, Judas’ actions led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. He was later replaced by Matthias after his death (Matthew 26:14-16, Acts 1:26).
Luke 5:2: Jesus Sees the Fishermen
And he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
The boats represent the livelihood of those who would become Jesus’ disciples. They had been out all night fishing—an exhausting and fruitless endeavor for Peter and the others, as we’ll see. Yet, Jesus uses this moment to perform a miracle that will change their lives.
The boats sit idle, the men are exhausted, and the nets are empty. How disappointing to work with no results. When hard work feels like a waste, could you feel more frustrated or down?
This verse also points to the sense of ordinariness in the lives of the fishermen. These were hardworking men who spent long hours on the lake, expecting nothing more than the day-to-day labor of their profession. It’s here that Jesus will perform something extraordinary.
And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you (singular) will be catching men.
Luke 5:10
Luke 5:3 – Jesus Teaches in the Boat
Getting into one of the boats, which was Peter's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Jesus' first move is to use Peter's boat. He's getting crowded by the people. He needs a place to deliver his message, so he uses the boat as a pulpit.
By asking Peter to push out a little from the shore, Jesus is creating the opportunity for both teaching and the miracle. Peter's involvement in this seemingly small act prepares him for the greater call that’s coming. There is a subtle call to partnership here—Jesus is not just performing a spectacle but inviting Peter into what will be an ongoing journey of discipleship.
This is the place where I wonder what Jesus was teaching. Was he teaching about the benevolence of God and how is trustworthy no matter our circumstances, that in the blink of an eye, when we least expect it, God can turn our circumstances around. Did Jesus follow up his sermon, which the fishermen also heard, with a very practical, "Let's put this sermon to the test, shall we?"
Luke 5:4: Jesus Tells Peter to "Let Down Your Nets"
And when he had finished speaking, he said to Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
After teaching the crowd, Jesus turns his focus to Peter. The crowd has had their moment of hearing the word of God, and now Jesus focuses on Peter for something deeper. The command to “put out into the deep” is real and symbolic—Jesus asks Peter to move beyond the familiar, beyond what he knows, and trust him for something new. Jesus is asking Peter to go against conventional wisdom. After all, they had been fishing all night with no success. Yet, here is the invitation: trust me and go into the deep.
This moment asks us the same question. Jesus calls us to venture out into unfamiliar places, to trust in his power and provision even when the situation seems bleak. It’s an invitation to a deeper faith.
Luke 5:5 – Peter responds to Jesus
And Peter answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”
Peter's response is one of frustration and fatigue. “We toiled all night and took nothing” is a statement of his own weariness and doubt. Yet, despite this, Peter's response also shows his faith. Even though the situation doesn’t seem logical, he still trusts Jesus enough to obey his word. This moment reveals that faith is often not about understanding the full picture but about obedience in the face of uncertainty.
The phrase “But at your word” is crucial here. Peter, though tired and skeptical, chooses to trust in Jesus’ authority. This is a turning point—not just for Peter but for all who follow Christ. Faith is about trusting in Jesus’ word, even when everything else says it won’t work.
Sermon: Jesus Sought Me as a Stranger in which I talk about this passage in more depth, seeking to understand Peter’s predicament with the empty nets.
Nets were cast and took on a bell shape as they neared the water.
Luke 5:6-7: An Amazing Catch of Fish
And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
When Peter and his crew follow Jesus’ instructions, the results are beyond anything they could have imagined. The catch of fish is so great that their nets begin to break, and they need help to haul in the catch. This is a moment of abundance and provision, showing not only Jesus’ power but also the generosity of God. Jesus is showing that when we trust, God provides more than we can expect.
This scene is also a reminder of the community of believers. Peter and his partners must work together to handle the miraculous catch. Similarly, when Jesus calls us to something great, it’s often in partnership with others, working together in faith to fulfill the greater mission.
Luke 5:8 – Peter’s Confession to Jesus
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
In this moment, Simon Peter has an overwhelming sense of his own unworthiness in the presence of such divine power. His response, “Depart from me,” shows a humility born out of awe and reverence. Jesus’ miraculous act makes Peter aware of his own sinfulness. This reaction is common in encounters with the holy—when we see God at work in powerful ways, it often reveals our own shortcomings.
Was this response out of gratitude and not shame or guilt? Imagine, your livelihood provides for you and your family plus the families of your workers. This is Peter's boat and it very well may be his business. The poor night's results not only affect him, it has ramifications for many. Then, unexpectedly, this wise teacher shows up, teaches us, and guides us into the deeper water where we end up catching more than we could in many days' work. It's easier to see, at least for me, that this response is also out of gratitude for grace - "I doubted and blamed God for the bad results, but now God has turned things around. Thank you for bearing with my impatience and imprudence, and gracing me nonetheless."
This moment is a moment of transformation. Jesus meets Peter in his need, stays with him in a moment of failure or fault, and offers not rejection, but a call to a greater purpose, to which we now turn our attention.
Luke 5:9-10 – You will be fisher of men / You will be catching people
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you (singular) will be catching men.
The astonishment of Peter, James, and John at the miraculous catch emphasizes the gravity of the situation. This is not just a surprising event—it’s a moment that redefines their understanding of who Jesus is and what he can do. The miracle reveals not just Jesus’ power over nature, but his ability to radically change lives.
Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid,” are comforting. They acknowledge the fear Peter feels, but also invite him into a new purpose. “Catching men” refers to bringing people into the kingdom of God. Jesus is calling them to leave behind their old lives and follow him into a mission of eternal significance. This is the turning point in their lives—a call to discipleship that redefines their identity and purpose.
"From now on you (singular) will be catching men." They catch so many fish, people marvel, and Jesus insists that Peter himself will catch a lot of people and bring them into the kingdom. This promise/prophecy comes to pass on Pentecost about 3 years later:
“So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.”
Luke 5:11 – The Disciples Follow Jesus
And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
This verse shows the disciples’ complete and total response to Jesus’ call. They leave behind everything—wealth, profession, and security—and follow him. This is the essence of discipleship: following Jesus without reservation, being willing to leave behind the comforts of life for the uncertainty of following him. Their immediate response demonstrates the power of Jesus’ invitation and their willingness to be transformed by it.
Discipleship isn’t about adding Jesus to your life—it’s about surrendering your life to him..
Luke 5:1-11 Commentary and Meaning for Today
The story of the calling of Simon Peter, James, and John is a powerful reminder of the kind of faith that Jesus requires from his followers. It’s a faith that trusts Jesus’ words, even when the circumstances don’t make sense. It’s a faith that moves beyond our understanding and into the deep waters Divine provision. And it’s a faith that calls us to leave behind our old lives and follow him into a new and greater purpose.
We are often called to step into the unknown, trusting that Jesus will provide. When we follow Christ, he doesn't just give us what we need for today--he gives us a new mission and purpose. As we trust him with small things, bigger purposes and opportunities are often revealed.
Just as the disciples of Jesus left everything to follow Jesus, we are invited into that same radical commitment to discipleship.
