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One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 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. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 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.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 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. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 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 fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever gone fishing? Do you like to fish? For most people, the best part about going fishing is actually catching fish. On a day when the fish are really biting, and you spend the day busily reeling in fish after fish, it can be a lot of fun. However, on a day when the fish aren’t biting, and you are just sitting bored on the shore or in a boat, fishing isn’t a lot of fun.

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus is about to give some fishermen a new job. But first he wants them to know that he is in control of fishing. They had been fishing all night but hadn’t caught a single fish. It must have been boring and frustrating. Jesus tells them to put out to deeper water and miraculously their nets are full of fish. There were so many fish that their nets began to break and had to call other boats to help them!

At first, Peter is afraid, but Jesus assures him that from now on he will be a fisher of people. Those fishermen then all left their nets behind and began to follow Jesus.

Some days it is hard to be a “fisher” of people. We tell others about Jesus, and they aren’t interested. Maybe they make fun of us or don’t want to listen to us.

Other days it is easy to be a fisher of people. People are happy when we talk about Jesus with them. They have a smile on their face as we tell them about Jesus who loves us.

On good days and bad days remember who is in control. Whether the fishing is easy or hard that same Jesus who brought all those fish to Peter is still in control as you work as a fisher of people. We aren’t afraid because God is gracious and in control.

Prayer:

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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