Advent Devotional 2021
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When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me--I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. Luke 5:8-9 (NLT)
Chapter 5 opens with what will eventually become a familiar scene: Jesus preaching to a crowd eager to hear the word of God. Luke, however, doesn’t seem to be particularly interested in this scene. He doesn’t report at all on Jesus’ teaching or how the crowd responded to Him. Instead, after setting the initial scene of Jesus before a large crowd, Luke begins to shift attention away from the crowd and focuses in on a fisherman named Simon. The crowds are good, but what Luke really wants us to see what happens when an individual makes a personal connection with Jesus.
For Simon, this personal encounter with Jesus comes in the form of overflowing nets of fish. Flopping fish may not mean much to most of us, but for Simon, this abundance at the end of a long night of striving that ultimately ended in failure cut him to the core. Jesus stepped into Simon’s life and communicated His power, His authority, and His love in a simple material way that Simon understood.
Simon’s response to this powerful message was an immediate realization that he wasn’t really worthy of the gift or of Jesus’ presence -- the reaction all humans have when we come face to face with God.
Jesus’ response to Simon is also familiar, though we sometimes fail to see it in our own lives. Jesus doesn’t deny Simon’s sinfulness or make excuses for it. Instead, he simply tells him “Don’t be afraid!” and invites him to follow Him. Jesus accepts Simon’s unworthiness, but calls him to follow him to better things just the same.
Reflect on the other people Luke writes about in chapter 5. How did Jesus step into their lives and communicate His love in a personal way?
In what ways has Jesus communicated his love to you in a personal way?
Do you focus more on your failings or on God’s call to follow him?
Jevon S.
For Simon, this personal encounter with Jesus comes in the form of overflowing nets of fish. Flopping fish may not mean much to most of us, but for Simon, this abundance at the end of a long night of striving that ultimately ended in failure cut him to the core. Jesus stepped into Simon’s life and communicated His power, His authority, and His love in a simple material way that Simon understood.
Simon’s response to this powerful message was an immediate realization that he wasn’t really worthy of the gift or of Jesus’ presence -- the reaction all humans have when we come face to face with God.
Jesus’ response to Simon is also familiar, though we sometimes fail to see it in our own lives. Jesus doesn’t deny Simon’s sinfulness or make excuses for it. Instead, he simply tells him “Don’t be afraid!” and invites him to follow Him. Jesus accepts Simon’s unworthiness, but calls him to follow him to better things just the same.
Reflect on the other people Luke writes about in chapter 5. How did Jesus step into their lives and communicate His love in a personal way?
In what ways has Jesus communicated his love to you in a personal way?
Do you focus more on your failings or on God’s call to follow him?
Jevon S.
Prayer focus: Thank Jesus for ways He has shown love to you
Community prayer focus: Law Enforcement
Community prayer focus: Law Enforcement