Jesus Understands You

Luke 5:9-10 - He and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

In so many areas of personal interest, only another “insider” truly understands. If you are not a golfer, have you ever been with a group of golfers talking about their hobby? It probably sounded like gibberish. The same could be said for a non-football fan at a Super Bowl party. Before Keira and I started bike racing we had no appreciation for words like “peloton,” “paceline,” and “drafting.” Watching the Tour de France was mystifying if not a little boring. Now I watch more television in the month of July than the whole rest of the year put together. Many professions are the same way. There is a unique lingo, unique practices, and special outcomes only an expert insider can appreciate.

When Jesus called Peter and his friends, he first did something that a typical Galilean bystander could not fully appreciate. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus, the landlubber carpenter, told the professional angler Simon to put down his nets for a catch. The catch they pulled was more than he and his partners had ever seen. Both of their boats nearly sank. Jesus even used the metaphor of their career and passion to call them to a higher purpose: “From now on you will be catching men.”

Jesus knows you, and he knows your interests. Often he will speak to you in special ways only you can fully appreciate. Be looking for him to do that today.