We see Jesus using what is at hand to enable Him to teach more effectively in the story of the calling of the fishermen. Luke had previously told us about the popularity of Jesus in the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee. Luke 4: 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. [1]
Jesus’ reputation has grown due to His teaching and healing ministry. Now, many people are coming to hear Him teach. Luke 5:1 One day, as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the Word of God.[2] Most likely, He was standing by the water’s edge, and the people were pushing in to hear Him.
Jesus Used the Geography to His Advantage
The Sea of Galilee is a large freshwater lake 650 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. As Jesus stood on the shore, the hills rising from the lake would form a natural amphitheater.[3] But in this case, the people crowding in may have been forcing Jesus into the water.
So Jesus used what He had at hand, a fisherman’s boat. As Peter worked on his net to prepare it for the next time he went fishing, his boat was next to him. These boats were fairly small, usually made for a crew of four. Jesus had interacted with Peter several times before and asked Peter to push out a little ways from shore.
Sitting to teach in the boat allowed Jesus to use the water as an amplifier, as sound readily travels over water. This combined with the physical geography, let the people on the hillsides hear. Even today, one can repeat this; people find they hear more clearly than if the speaker was on shore.[4]
What Can You Use to Spread the Good News?
Sometimes, we think we must have fancy equipment, training, or talents. Why not try using what is at hand? God has placed each of us in a geographical location. What can you do to reach out with the Good News of Jesus in your physical location? We each have a sphere of influence with our friends and family. To whom can you show the love of Jesus?
God has also given each of us unique abilities and talents. If you are a car mechanic, how can you use that to spread the words of Jesus? Perhaps your hobby is quilting. How can that be used to glorify God? If you aren’t sure what you could do, ask the Lord. He is willing to give you ideas or send people you can partner with. Remember, He is the creator and continues to create and empower. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/calling-of-the-fishermen
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke (p. 112). Tyndale House Publishers
[4] Wright, T. (2004). Luke for Everyone (p. 53). Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.