1. The First Steps of Peter 14/02/16

2. Bible Reading Luke Chapter 5 v 1-11

3. 5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

4. Luke Chapter 5 v 1-11 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signalled 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. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

5. Luke Chapter 5 v 1-11 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

6. Introduction Simon/Peter/Simon-Peter A famous New Testament Character For many Christians he is a favourite We see his journey through the gospels He often made mistakes, like ourselves Today we will be looking at the start of Peter’s Christian Faith/Journey

7. Background Facts His brother was Andrew Andrew followed John the Baptist (John 1:40) Peter would have known of ‘Jesus’ Andrew told Peter about Jesus (John 1:41) Previously Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in- law (Luke 4:39)

8. Peter’s First Step This passage looks at how Peter officially followed Jesus along with his friends For Peter the Christian faith is just one step at a time This is the same today

9. The Story Jesus was once again speaking to the crowds He asked Peter to let him speak on his boat to continue to teach Peter was there listening Jesus then made a request…

10. Peter’s First Step 1. The Request 2. The Result 3. The Response

11. The Request Verses 4-5 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

12. The Request Jesus asked Peter the fisherman to let down his nets and catch fish A unusual request 1. It was during the day 2. Nothing had been caught all night 3. Peter was a experienced fisherman, Jesus was not! 4. Peter was tired

13. The Request 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Peter still obeyed Jesus How would we have reacted We often think we know best But sometimes we just have to listen and obey

14. The Result 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signalled 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. Peter was able to catch a great number of fish He needed help from Andrew, James and John

15. The Response 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Peter’s response was short and humble He knew who he was And he knew who Jesus was

16. The Response 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. Jesus called these four fisherman to a greater calling and be his disciples They gave up their business to follow him

17. Final thoughts What can we learn from this passage? What can we learn from Peter? Peter’s Christian journey was never easy or simple But he continued to follow Jesus Sometimes life is hard But we should always put our trust in Jesus