Luke 4:38 Jesus entered into Simon’s (Peter’s) house and healed his mother in law of an illness.
Luke 5:3-5 After the multitude pressed in on Him, Jesus entered into Simon’s (Peter) boat, and after teaching the people He said unto Simon to row to the deep waters to go fishing again. Simon’s response was one of unbelief and weariness because they had fished all night with no success.
This happened after John the Baptist was put in prison, so the disciples were puzzled and depressed. How could John, this great, powerful, fearless preacher, heralding the coming of the Messiah, be put in prison? If they followed Jesus what would be their fate? They thought His coming meant victory, success, fame, fortune, reputation, admiration for whoever followed after Him.
I love how Jesus really paid attention to Simon Peter. He chose his house and his boat to enter into; He performed miracles for him in each place. He requested him by name to launch out into the deep. What was His purpose in all of this? Jesus knew the heart of Peter. He knew he needed this to help him believe in spite of the discouraging events. He knew Peter had the heart to love His Master. But He also knew that Peter didn’t know his own heart, and that he would need help in seeing it. He was preparing him for the ultimate trial he would undergo, that of seeing His Lord tried and condemned in the most inhumane way; and the hidden nature of his heart being revealed in denying Him. Christ wanted to make sure that Peter knew He would always lovingly forgive him no matter what. And all of this would ultimately prepare Peter to be an effective evangelist and, eventually, a willing martyr.
When Peter experienced the miracle of catching that many fish during the daytime, it was enough for him to be brought to repentance. For, wasn’t that the message of John, the person he mourned? Being in prison didn’t diminish its effectiveness. The “kingdom of heaven” was before Peter and he responded appropriately, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8)
I love how Jesus replied, “Fear not…”
“Even though you have realized the true condition of your heart, do not fear that I will reject you, because I won’t; it’s the last thing I want to do. Do not fear that I will stop loving you, because my love is never-ending. Do not fear that you won’t be able to work for Me, because you will. And you will be successful; not in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of heaven.”
It’s so interesting to me that throughout the Bible we are told to “Fear God” (Rev. 14:7; Job 28:28), but yet Jesus said to Peter, “Fear not.” This contrast helps us to put into proper perspective how we are supposed to truly ‘fear.’ “Fear Me…respect Me.” Fear Him; be in awe and appreciation of His character. This happened to Peter after Jesus lovingly performed personalized miracles in his behalf. Can you imagine the condensation of Jesus? I mean, how sweet of Him to do this! And Peter was not who we would naturally see as a prime candidate to be one of Jesus’ top men; in fact, we would think he was the least likely. But Jesus could see who he was capable of becoming.
Peter realized he was in the presence of holiness, of purity, and he felt how unholy he was. But in Jesus’ demeanor and words He was saying, “I know who you are, but that doesn’t change how I feel a, about you. But it is important for you to know who I am; and it is important for you to know your capabilities and My capabilities.”
Friends, Jesus feels the same about each one of you. He knows who you are, but do you know who He is? He knows each one of you by name, and He wants to perform personalized, day to day, little, and big, miracles, so you will be willing to believe in His love for you; it’s His greatest desire that you will know and believe.
“For this is life eternal, to know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
