Push Out into Deep Water 1-3Once
when he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was
pushing in on him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed two boats
tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their
nets. He climbed into the boat that was Simon's and asked him to put out
a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he
taught the crowd. 4When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, "Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch." 5-7Simon
said, "Master, we've been fishing hard all night and haven't caught
even a minnow. But if you say so, I'll let out the nets." It was no
sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past
capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help
them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch. 8-10Simon
Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. "Master, leave.
I'm a sinner and can't handle this holiness. Leave me to myself." When
they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone
with him. It was the same with James and John, Zebedee's sons, coworkers
with Simon. 10-11Jesus
said to Simon, "There is nothing to fear. From now on you'll be fishing
for men and women." They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them,
nets and all, and followed him. | 
