Amazed and Afraid

In Luke 5 we find that Simon Peter is amazed and afraid when Jesus performs a miracle. Keep in mind that Peter had already seen Jesus cast out demons, heal the sick (including his mother-in-law) and cure all kinds of illness.

And then after Peter had spent all night fishing and was exhausted and frustrated (at catching no fish). Jesus asked Peter to take him out in his boat so he could continue teaching the multitudes. Of course the tired Peter obliged.

When Jesus had finished his teaching and Peter was ready to go home. Jesus instructed Peter to take his boat out and throw out his freshly cleaned nets back in the water. You know the story… Peter caught so many fish that his nets were breaking and both boats began to sink.

Peter drops to his knees in front of Jesus and uttered these immortal words… “depart from me Jesus because I am a sinful man”. The scripture records two emotions of Peter… he was “amazed” and “afraid”.

Of course Peter had seen some miracles performed by Jesus but they didn’t affect him personally and the text does not record that he was amazed by them or afraid or dropped to his knees in front of Jesus.

I guess the fear came from Peter seeing so many fish that his gratitude at that blessing turned to fear when he was so blessed that he suffered from the shock of Jesus’ power and was awed and afraid in the presence of one who could destroy with blessings.

He was also afraid because he felt he didn’t belong in the presence of a Man of God.

Imagine how Peter must have felt when he went fishing with God’s word and 3000 jumped into water to be baptized… no amazement recorded… no fear… no dropping to his knees. Peter was thoroughly prepared by Jesus.

Don’t ever get tired in well doing… always be ready to heed the words of Jesus and “cast your nets on the other side”