Fishing is something I enjoy filling a day with. Its more than a diversion for me, it’s a connection to my childhood, a “sabbath” rest, and a healthy challenge all wrapped up in one. And if the truth be known, I’m a bit envious of the person who on their W-2 form can write the word “fisherman” under the word “occupation.” Peter fell into that category.

I’ve always pictured Peter waking in the middle of the night from a few hours of sleep, splashing a little water on his face, fixing a quick cup of coffee, kissing his wife goodbye, and heading towards the seashore with nets thrown over his shoulder. The old saying, “The early bird gets the worm,” was applicable to fishing in the first century. Peter and his companions rowed out long before the sun appeared on the horizon.

And I would imagine that Peter was well versed in the finer points of fishing, but on this particular day, Luke tells us that Peter hadn’t caught a thing; maybe a boot or some seaweed, but no fish to speak of. So when a spectator from shore calls out, “Hey! How’s the fishing?” these back-aching fishermen were probably quick to shoot him a dirty look or even ignore him. Not only does the spectator inquire about their success he offers some advice. “Why don’t you try throwing your nets on the other side of the boat? You might catch something over there.”

For some strange reason Peter not only listened to the spectator, he took his advice. And sure enough their nets were so filled with fish it would have taken Herculian-like strength to haul them in. As the celebration comes to a close, Peter realizes the advice came from the son of a carpenter; a man whose hands knew the contours of boards, hammers, and saws, not nets, sails, and paddles. And Peter is aware that this son of a carpenter is potentially something more, someone greater.   

In Luke 5, Peter said to Jesus, “Away from Lord for I am a sinful man. You don’t want someone like me, I’m not worth the investment.” But Jesus was drawn to something in Peter that prevented him from giving up on him so quickly. With a convincing tone Jesus said to Peter, “Set your nets down. Leave your business, your family, the setting you are familiar with, and follow me.” And you might think that Peter would need a few weeks to pack and say his good-byes or notify the post office to hold his mail, but he didn’t. He left the known for the unknown.

On a nearby college campus a young man was seen pedaling his bicycle across the campus lawn wearing a t-shirt that said, “Someday I’m going to be a doctor.” Taped to the back of his bicycle was another sign that read, “And someday I’m going to be a Mercedes Benz.” His ambitions might differ from ours, but at least he recognized he was a person with potential. And though Peter may not have seen it, Jesus had plans for him. 

I recently read an interview with actor Sean Connery. He played 007 in six James Bond movies, has produced, and directed films for nearly 30 decades. Yet, when asked in an interview why, at the age of sixty-two, he continues to act, Connery gave a surprising reply. He said, “I’m in this business because I get the opportunity to be somebody better and more interesting than I really am.”

I could be wrong, but it’s as if Peter was like a poor kid looking for a way out of the projects or ghetto, and he saw his opportunity with Jesus. Having read through the Gospel accounts, never once do I get the sense that Peter regretted his decision to leave his hometown of Capernaum. For three years, he had front row, season tickets, to every packed out arena Jesus took center stage in. He witnessed firsthand, Jesus walking on the water and even dared to try it himself. He watched Jesus take the sack lunch of a little boy and feed thousands. He saw crippled legs stand up and walk. He saw blind eyes blink and take in the sights around them. He spoke with men who had been deaf and watched as articulate religious orators struggled to untie their tongues. He experienced all of these things because he said yes to Jesus’ proposition to follow him. Peter’s college education was worth the tuition. But Jesus knew that Peter couldn’t just be a passive observer. To see if Peter had learned anything, Jesus put Peter’s note taking abilities to the test.

In what would be one of their final meals shared together, Jesus removed his outer garment and took on the role of a servant. In one of the most beautiful scenes in all of scripture, Jesus dipped the dust ridden feet of his disciples in a basin of water. A hush surely came over that upper room. But when Jesus reached Peter, Peter quickly tucked his feet under his chair and said, “Never Lord! Never will I allow you to wash my feet. This doesn’t make sense!” It didn’t make sense, because what Peter had learned over the past three years hadn’t made the short journey from his head to his heart. Robert Schmidgall once wrote, “We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.” Jesus had a working understanding of that phrase long before it was written. His purpose was to not only help Peter learn the things of God, but he wanted Peter to live them out in everyday life. And the real test was just around the corner.

Jesus led the disciples to a private garden about 3/5 of a mile from Jerusalem called Gethsemane. It was in the garden that Jesus would ask the “inner three” (Peter, James, and John) to keep watch for him. The problem was they didn’t quite grasp the seriousness of the moment. As Jesus returned from pleading his case with God in prayer, Peter fell asleep, and soldiers came across the Kidron Valley to arrest Jesus. As they placed the handcuffs on Jesus, Peter pulled out a steak knife and took a swing at a man named Malchus. Either Malchus ducked or Peter had bad aim, but an ear was lost in the process. Peter’s zeal was once again genuine, but misguided. Jesus was led to trial as Peter and the other disciples ran in the opposite direction, fearing for their own lives.

And in the courtyard of the High Priest, Peter makes an appearance. He came in through the back door with his hood up, but even then he was easy to spot. His accent, his nervousness, his interest in the trial, all of it was a dead give away that he was a friend of Jesus. When asked about his relationship with Jesus, Peter denied ever knowing him. It stands as a stunning testimony to every man’s weakness in dealing with temptation. Three times, Peter is asked, and three times he claims no allegiance or friendship with Jesus whatsoever.

The beauty of the story came following Jesus’ death. Peter returned to what he knew which was fishing. He was once again casting his nets when he heard a familiar voice from the shore say, “Hey, how’s the fishing? Have you caught anything?” That familiar voice then said, “Why don’t you cast your nets on the other side of the boat?” Peter again took the advice of this spectator. And he again reaped the benefits. John tells us that Peter’s nets were once again filled with fish and it hit Peter like a ton of bricks. This time around though, Peter didn’t say, “Away from me for I am a sinful man.” No, he jumped from the boat and swimming to shore you know he wanted to say, “Jesus, I am sorry for disowning you.” But before he could spit those words of regret out, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Peter do you love me?” And three times Peter responded, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” I think that lesson in forgiveness, in restoration was what ultimately helped Peter reach his potential. 

Following Jesus’ ascension it was Peter who preached to the thousands of people gathered in Jerusalem. It was Peter who would help establish and lead the church there; a church that sent out missionaries like Paul who established churches in the far reaches of the world. And Peter’s letters are part of the Bible we read today. His influence, his example is a positive testimony to the discipleship methods of Jesus. Peter learned by watching, was put in positions to live out what he had witnessed, and then led others to do the same. I think what Douglas Rumford wrote in regard to discipleship would have been an appropriate epitaph for Peter. He wrote, “Full-grown oaks are not produced in three years; neither are servants of God.”

If Jesus can do great things with a guy like Peter, think about what he wants to do in you and through you! This spring, take advantage of the opportunities put in front of you to learn from Jesus and live for Jesus. Let his love for you compel you to greater acts of faith!