By JEROD McPherson

In Luke 5:1-11, we see Jesus giving instructions to a professional fisherman, then we see a miraculous catch of fish, and finally a life-defining decision. The story begins with crowds gathering around Jesus to listen to Him speak. The crowd pushed in on Him so strongly, Jesus decided to move to give Himself a better vantage point to speak to the large crowd. There on the shore by Him are two boats. Jesus asks Simon, who owns the boat, whether He can use it as a pulpit or a stage. Simon presumably agrees and pushes out a little way into the water, where Jesus sits and teaches the people gathered on the shore. Can you imagine being there on the shore listening as Jesus shared about the Kingdom of God? Can you imagine being in the boat with Jesus, seated beside Him, as He teaches this crowd on the shore? I believe that hearing the Word of God through Jesus must have been an amazing experience for Simon Peter. But what

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happened next in the story, I believe, must have transformed his life from that moment forward.

Peter, a professional fisherman, experiences a bona fide fishing miracle! This miracle, combined with Jesus’ personal invitation, transformed the life of this fisherman and consequently, all of our lives as well. Peter not only caught a big catch of fish, but he also caught a big vision of what God could do with his life. Soon he would, inspired by God, declare,“ You are the Christ! The Son of the living God!”( Matthew 16:16, NKJV). Three years later, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached a sermon in which 3,000 people became followers of Jesus in one day. Peter, together with his fellow followers of Jesus, laid the foundations on which, 2,000 years later, over 2.4 billion people profess the name of Jesus.

There is no doubt that Jesus was teaching Peter a lesson through this miraculous catch of fish. It’ s almost like it ' s an actedout, real-life parable. I wonder what conclusions Peter drew from this encounter with Jesus? I would also wonder: what can we, in the ministry of CMA, learn from this fishing miracle?

The Potential is Vast

They had not caught any fish, but there were plenty to catch. In the Sea of Galilee, there can be phenomenal shoals of fish that cover the sea as if it were solid for

as much as an acre. Similarly, in motorcycling culture, many people need to hear about the life-transforming love of Jesus.

Although cleaning nets is important for fishermen, the primary purpose is to catch fish. The primary task of the ministry of CMA is to share the Good News about Jesus with motorcyclists. Jesus says,“ Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish”( Luke 5:4, NLT). There are so many people who need to hear the message about Jesus. Jesus asks us to see the potential, the great number of bikers who still need to know Him. Where is Jesus asking us to“ go out where it is deeper?”

Nothing is Impossible with Jesus

Peter’ s initial reaction is negative and perhaps pessimistic. His past experience told him it probably wouldn’ t work. But Peter also had faith in Christ. He says,“ But if you say so, I’ ll let the nets down again”( Luke 5:5b, NLT). Jesus makes what seems impossible possible. When we look at the challenges we face when ministering in the motorcycling culture, we need to remember Christ’ s words in Matthew 19:26( NLT),“ Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Partnership is the Key to Mission The miraculous catch of fish was so great that Peter’ s nets

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