Entering the Deeper Waters

The beautiful artwork above is an image of Jacopo Bassano's The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, completed in 1545. It recalls the gospel scene from Luke 5:1-11 which we discussed in our class last week.
Very early in his ministry, Jesus is being followed by a large crowd of people eager to hear the word of God. While he is standing on the lakeshore, the people press in on him so much that he climbs into one of the fishing boats there by the shore, which is empty because the fishermen are cleaning their nets after finishing work. This particular boat belongs to Simon. Jesus beckons Simon and asks him maneuver the boat away from the shore; Jesus then sits down and teaches the crowd from the boat. When he is finished he turns again to Simon, and directs him to "put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." The fisherman protests that they have been fishing all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, he will do as Jesus asks. Simon and his fishing partner (likely his brother Andrew) catch so many fish that their nets begin to break! They signal to their companions in the other boat, James and John, to join them in the deeper waters and help to receive the catch. Bassano's painting captures an overwhelmed Simon (now referred to as "Simon Peter ") kneeling before Jesus exclaiming, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Jesus however, does not leave, instead directing Simon not be afraid, for from now on he will be "catching people." When the fishermen come to shore, they "left everything and followed him."
In Luke's gospel, this is the calling of Jesus' first disciples. Notice that at the beginning, he is preaching the word to everyone who wants to listen. But then he calls Simon in a very particular way, asking him to serve and to take risks on behalf of the good news.
(1) Every week we hear the Word of God preached. But what comes next? How does God's word speak specifically to you? And how do you respond as a disciple?
(2) Jesus calls Simon to venture into the "deep water." How will you and I explore the "deeper waters" of faith? What kinds of questions do you have that will require deeper study and thought? In what ways do you think Jesus is calling you to risk new experiences in serving him?
(3) Simon Peter confesses his sin, but that in no way disqualifies him in Jesus' eyes. Jesus will now teach him how to "catch people." What do you think Jesus means by that? How does he take talents we already have and show us how to use them in news ways, so that we can glorify God? Is this different from "work?"
At this point in the Confirmation Journey, we are entering deeper waters of growth and discipleship. With the twelve of you, this is a great blessing!