No one is worthy, but faith in Jesus as our Savior changes everything. In the later part of his ministry, Paul admitted how unworthy he was to be a disciple of Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.[1]
If we are honest with ourselves, we know our sinfulness, yet through faith, Jesus covers our sins with His blood shed on the cross. It is humbling to realize what Jesus has done for us to enable us to come to faith and become children of God. If you are struggling with not feeling worthy, you are not alone; the Lord wants to tell you today that by faith, you are worthy. God forgives and restores us as we follow Jesus, confess, and repent of our sins. We are worthy in God’s eyes because of what Jesus did for us.
Peter Felt Unworthy
Jesus was teaching along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After He finished, He asked Simon to go out into deeper water and let down the nets for a catch. Simon trusted Jesus, not his reason, and did what Jesus asked, resulting in a great catch. After this great catch, Simon Peter realized how unworthy he was.
Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” [2] In his own eyes, Peter could only see who he was, not what Jesus could transform him to be. Peter was a believer, but the Lord had more for him than he could imagine. All of us are broken and sinful, but the Lord calls broken and sinful people to faith to reach other broken and sinful people.
Don’t Fear Stepping Forward in Faith
Peter was a seasoned fisherman and a person of faith, yet he was still afraid to step forward in faith and follow Jesus. We must trust in Jesus and step into the unknown to overcome our fears. With the Lord’s strength, all of us can take steps of faith as the Lord guides us. Jesus could see that Peter struggled with moving forward. Luke 5:10 Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on, you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. [3]
We are often like Peter, and the Lord has to reassure us to trust and follow Him. Today, you may be in a situation where doubt and awareness of your sin prevent you from responding to the Lord’s call on your life. Jesus wants to tell you, as He said to Peter, “Don’t be afraid.” Isaiah 41: 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. [4]
To learn how no one is worthy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/calling-of-the-fishermen
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.