Only Jesus makes us worthy, as our sins separate us from a relationship with God. Ephesians 3: 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.[1]
We can be certain of this because we live on the other side of the cross. What about Peter in the story of the great catch of fish? At that point, Jesus was just beginning His ministry and had not yet gone to the cross.
Peter Knows He is Not Worthy
Peter was obedient to Jesus’ instructions to fish in the deep and caught so many fish that the boat was in danger of sinking. He realized this was a miracle only God could do, and Jesus must be some agent of God. When Peter realized the holiness of the moment, he also knew he was a sinner and thus unworthy.
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.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. [2]
Peter’s response was similar to that of Isaiah and Jeremiah when they saw God. God gave Isaiah a vision of the heavenly throne room. Isaiah 6: 5 Then I (Isaiah) said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips.[3] A message from God called Jeremiah into service, but he didn’t think he could do it. Jeremiah 1: 6 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” [4]
Who is Worthy?
If great men of the Bible like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Peter knew they were not worthy, who is? The answer is none of us is humanly worthy. All these men were aware of their shortcomings and sin. Jesus doesn’t call anyone who thinks they, in their human power, can help God. Humility and awareness of our sin are prerequisites for service to God. These characteristics cause us to depend on God and His power. It is only then that we can serve Him well.
1 Corinthians 1: 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.[5]
Only Jesus makes us worthy. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-radical-reorientation
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.