Christ-Light Connections: Peter the Fisherman & The Calling of Matthew

Who would we expect Jesus to call as his primary messengers? Wouldn’t it make sense to choose people who were already in a position of influence? Wouldn’t religious or political leaders have more credibility?

The Kingdom of God often seems upside down. Jesus chose the poor, the extremists, the uneducated, the insignificant. Jesus spent most of his ministry with these men, teaching and preparing them to do the important work of his kingdom.

The Christ-Light theme this week is Jesus calls disciples to do mission work.

NT1 9A

Peter the Fisherman — Luke 5:1-11

Context

Early in the Gospel of John, we are introduced to Peter (John 1:35-51). John the Baptist testified about Jesus to Andrew, who shared the good news with his brother, Peter. When Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, Jesus boldly changed his name to Peter, which means “rock,” claiming him as his disciple and changing the meaning of his life.

Big Ideas

Jesus Absurd Request (Luke 5:4)

I wonder what was going through the experienced fisherman’s mind when the carpenter requested that he go fishing in the morning in the deep water. Fishing all night for nothing would have already been an exhaustive failure. Was it humiliating to attempt it again, or was Peter too defeated to care?

Jesus intended his request to sound foolish. Peter had to put aside experience, reason, and his own ego to obey. He was only guided by the Word, which required him to put aside both logic and wisdom.

Peter’s Reaction (Luke 5:8)

Suddenly, Peter understood that he wasn’t just in the presence of a great rabbi; he was in the presence of the LORD! This was not a rejection of Jesus. Rather, it was Peter recognizing his sinfulness and unworthiness. The contrast between God’s holiness and Peter’s own sinful nature suddenly became explicit and terrifying.

After looking in the mirror of the law and the long list of commands we have not kept, we logically should feel nothing but horror. Think of Adam and Eve’s reaction to God after they sinned. They hid! Our sin naturally causes us to run from God.

Conversation Starters:

• When you do something wrong, are you more likely to immediately seek forgiveness or to cover it up?
• What enables us to seek forgiveness? Are there any people in your life that you feel safer confessing your sins to? Why do you think that is?

Don’t be Afraid (Luke 5:10)

There is a sense of urgency as Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” This command is the most common command of scriptures. Ironically, this command is not law, but the Gospel. It says to us, “I am going to fix this. I am making a way to end the separation between us caused by sin.” For Peter, it is a statement of forgiveness and absolution.

Conversation Starter:

• Read about Isaiah’s calling in Isaiah 6:1-8. How was it similar to Peter’s?

Fishers of Men (Luke 5:10)

This miracle was a demonstration of Jesus’ power over nature, but for Peter, the meaning was deeper. This was a call to full-time discipleship and ministry and a lesson about the strange challenges he would face sharing the Gospel. This lesson can apply to us as witnesses too.

Just as it seemed hopeless to catch the fish in an unlikely spot at the worst time of day, so it can seem hopeless to catch the hearts of people. We doubt the power of Jesus’ word, but just as Peter threw down the net anyway, so we continue to share the Word. Our catch does not depend on our confidence, but only in the power of the Word we use.

Conversation Starters:

• Who in your life do you doubt will believe? Does this doubt ever cause you to give up sharing the Word?
• Why do you think Jesus repeated this miracle after his resurrection? (John 21)

Digging Deeper

Seeds of Faith provides Law and Gospel points as well as helpful discussion questions.

The following video is a clip from The Chosen. What do you think about how the characters are portrayed?

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NT1 9B

The Calling of Matthew — Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32

Context

The Gospel writer himself is now called. As his book records it, chapter 9 begins with the healing of a paralyzed man. In this account, Jesus proves he has the authority to forgive as he demonstrates his power to heal. With good reason, Matthew’s faith would hinge on this authority.

Tax collectors were the lowest, the scum, the traitors of the Jews. While the Romans occupied Israelite territory, they hired the Jewish locals to collect the taxes. The Roman occupation was so hated that the Jews believed the coming Messiah’s primary purpose would be to rescue them from Rome. Not only were the Jewish tax collectors traitors, but they were also extortionists. They had a reputation for demanding higher payments than required and keeping the money for themselves. Therefore, these sinners were loathed.

Big Ideas

Follow Me (Matthew 9:9)

Notice everything Jesus did NOT say to Matthew. He did not say stop stealing, give back what you’ve taken, and quit your job. Jesus did not even tell Matthew to be sorry for his sins. No improvement or progress was required before he was called.

He simple said, “Follow me.” Was Matthew shocked?

Those two words miraculously created faith in the lost heart of a traitor. Faith prompted Matthew to leave behind his tax booth to be near the one who loved him and accepted him.

Conversation Starters:

• Who would we consider to be the “tax collectors” of today?
• What do we have in common with Matthew?

The Scandal of Grace (Matthew 9:10-13)

Did Jesus really know who Matthew was? Why did he want this man with a tainted reputation following him around?

To the Pharisees who made every effort to be the greatest in the sight of God and society, the calling of the sinner, Matthew, would have been a significant insult. This again implied that Jesus did not value human effort.

Our nature wants only “good” people to get “good” things. We prefer that justice reign. God would agree. However, to qualify, we must lower the standards of “good” to “good enough” or at least “better than others.” We trick ourselves into believing that we are healthy, and the need for forgiveness vanishes.

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind, probably even Matthew’s, that he was not good, nor could he claim to be better than others. He had no hope to live up to any spiritual standards. Everyone understood that he was “sick.”

Conversation Starters:

• Satan loves when believers play the comparison game. Have you ever said, “but at least I’m not like…” “but they started it…”?Comparison is a trap that fools us into forgetting our sin and need for Jesus. Name some examples in your society and life.

I Desire Mercy, not Sacrifice (Hosea 6:6, Luke 9:13)

Jesus quotes the Old Testament prophet Hosea who spoke against the unfaithful hearts of God’s people. They worshipped false gods and thought that as long as they did the required sacrifices in the temple, God wouldn’t mind. The Pharisees may have followed the rules, but they did not understand the Gospel. More than obedience, Jesus wants our hearts!

Conversation Starters:

• What Christian rituals or routines can become more important than the Gospel? Do we shame those who do not have the same rituals or routines? Is that always wrong?
• Jesus also calls Simon the Zealot to be his disciple. Zealots were an aggressive group that sought to overthrow the Roman Empire. What do you think the relationship between Matthew and Simon was like? Why do you think Jesus choose both?

Digging Deeper

The following video is a clip from the Chosen. What do you think about how the characters are portrayed?