Luke 5:2,3 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus taught the crowds from the boat.
Luke 5 tells the story of tired fishermen agreeing to lower their nets into the water one more time, catching a miraculous haul, and becoming the first of the twelve, intimate disciples of Jesus. Prior to the miracle was a simple request. Jesus stepped into Simon’s boat and asked to be taken out. Simon complied! Just imagine if the religious leader, Nicodemus, had owned that boat. The conversation may have gone like this:
Jesus: “Hey Nic, let Me use your boat so I can speak to this crowd.” Nicodemus: “What? Do I know you? Um, let me check with the Sanhedrin and get back with you. Who are you, again? Which synagogue sent you? You know, on second thought, I probably shouldn’t even be speaking with you. Good luck finding a boat.”
Years ago I helped create an art project on Lake Constance between Switzerland and Germany. A large ferry was to be painted with artistic, modern images from the Bible. As we informed businesses around the lake of the project, the people who were most impressed were non-Christians. They said, “I don’t go to church, but this is great.” “I’m not a Christian, but this is amazing.” The conservative Christians and churches strongly opposed the project. It was outside their box of sanctioned ways that God works. The more we have to lose, the harder it is to follow a “crazy” man like Jesus. We have reputations to think of and the opinions of others.
There are many ideas to be gleaned from the interaction between Jesus and Simon. Sometimes the platform that Jesus uses to accomplish His mission isn’t the one we expect. While scripture makes it clear that we should not let unbelievers influence the message of truth, God will often use a sinful man like Simon to accomplish the mission. The request from Jesus came at the end of Simon’s night shift. Though tired, Simon was somehow willing to be of service. That is the key. Jesus didn’t ask Simon to donate a few fish; He asked to use his business as a platform for ministry. Though a small favor, it was a significant request. Had Simon been a prominent religious leader, he may have considered his reputation. Instead, the unimportant, small businessman – a sinner – said, “Sure.” For what small favor is Jesus asking you?