Chosen: Who, Me? – Family Devotion – February 11, 2022

Read: Luke 5:1-11

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:8-11

Chosen: Who, Me?

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What makes a team “the greatest”? Do they win the most games, have the strongest players, or the biggest superstars? If you were choosing a team of helpers for Jesus, who would you choose? The best speaker? The best looking? The strongest men? The richest? Take a look at who Jesus chose: “When Simon Peter saw this (the miraculous catch of fish) he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (v. 8)

Not only did Simon Peter realize he was a sinful man, but he was a common fisherman—not a popular, rich, handsome superstar. Fishermen were just common workers, useful, hard-working, usually a little gruff, and probably a little smelly from fish. Maybe a little like a garbage collector, yet God chose Peter, James, and John—all fishermen—to be his first disciples.

What qualified them to be chosen as disciples of Jesus? Not their actions or efforts, but simply the words of the all-powerful God: “Do not be afraid, from now on you will fish for people.” The Holy Spirit worked in their hearts to willingly leave behind everything and follow Jesus. For three years they learned from their Lord and then were given this great command, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

God has also chosen you—a sinner, a commoner. He has chosen you as his child at your baptism. His Holy Spirit is working in your heart through the same powerful Word of God to grow your faith. You, too, have been given the great commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Like Simon Peter, you may wonder why God has chosen you for such an important job. Like Simon Peter, hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid.” And with his powerful Word ringing in your ears, share God’s word with your family, your friends, your neighbors, your classmates—with everyone!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me your child, for the gift of forgiveness, and the sure hope of eternal life. Help me rely on your power as I share you with others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Peter do for a living?
• Instead of fishing for fish, what did Jesus want Peter to go fishing for?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did Jesus mean when he said to Peter, “From now on, you will fish for people?”
• Jesus tells Peter to “not be afraid.” How does that make you feel better about sharing Jesus with others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Put the Great Commission in your own words.
• Name at least two ways you see the Great Commission carried out in your church. Name two ways you see it carried out in your home.