The Story Of The First Miraculous Catch – By Harrison Woodard

Simon and his partners fished all night and caught nothing. But one Word from God changed their business forever, giving them a catch larger than they had ever seen or could even imagine. Jesus gave Simon a net-breaking, boat-sinking catch of fish!

Jesus, Rejected In Nazareth, Loved In Capernaum

23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
Luke 4:23-24 KJV

Jesus started His ministry in Nazareth, where He was raised. He immediately faced opposition, and they ultimately tried to throw Him off a cliff. He simply walked through the crowd and traveled to the Sea of Galilee area. There, He was received warmly, taught in the Synagogues, cast out demons, healed the sick, including the mother-in-law of a fisherman named Simon (Peter).

Soon, crowds began to follow Him, hungry for the Word of God. This was the case one morning near the sea, when he came upon Simon and his partners washing and mending their nets after an unproductive night of fishing. The crowd kept growing and pressing in on Jesus, so he needed a platform or at least some separation. So he turned to Simon.

“Let me use your boat, so that the people can hear me,” asked Jesus. Simon, the owner of the boat, took Jesus out from shore and listened to the message.

I Must Preach The Kingdom Of God

23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.
Matthew 4:23-24 NLT

We can only speculate on what Jesus said that day. From other passages, it is likely Jesus told the people the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Teaching about the Love of God, the Blessing, Salvation, and Forgiveness were topics that were likely included. Hearing God’s Word is how faith comes. (Romans 10:17) Hearing directly from the source certainly adds a level of gravitas to the Sermon. Which is why some people called Him Master. Jesus spoke with authority, not just quoting theologians from the past. And He only spoke the Words of the Father. (Mark 1:21-22, John 12:49-50)

Whatever was taught, hit the target in Simon. Because when he heard the Word of God, he believed and acted on that Word.

“Launch Out Into The Deep, And Let Down Your Nets For A Draught!”

5 And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night [exhaustingly] and caught nothing [in our nets]. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets [again].
Luke 5:5 AMP

After Jesus finished teaching, He instructed Simon to go fishing once again.

“Head out into the deep and let down your nets. You will fill your boat with fish,” said Jesus.

“Master, we fished all night and caught nothing. But based on your word, I will do it again,” said Simon.

Simon rowed his boat out into the deep water. In the bright sunlight and clear water of the Galilee, fish could easily see any net and quickly swim away. But when Simon obeyed Jesus, and threw his nets into the water, the fish swarmed into them. As Simon started lifting them, they began to tear under the weight of so many fish.

Simon started waving and shouting to his partners, James and John to come help. They quickly rowed out to where Simon was and filled both boats with fish until they were nearly sinking. It was the largest load of fish anyone had ever seen caught on the Sea of Galilee.

Fear Not! From Henceforth Thou Shalt Catch Men.

8 But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was gripped with bewildering amazement [allied to terror], and all who were with him, at the haul of fish which they had made;
Luke 6:8-9 AMP

“Please leave me Master. I am a sinner,” said Simon falling on his knees in awe of what just happened.

His partners were also amazed at the miracle catch. Nobody had ever caught so many fish, especially in the daytime.

Jesus lifted Simon to his feet, “Don’t be afraid. I will teach you to catch men.”

After both boats reached the shore, all three men immediately left their fishing business and followed Jesus.

Some Things To Consider

This story is an excellent example of God’s Law of seedtime and harvest. At Jesus’ request, Simon planted a seed (gift) by letting Jesus use his boat. Jesus took that seed and turned it into an abundant harvest of fish. In the Word, it says that when you give, you receive back abundance. (Luke 6:38) The Word also says that as long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest shall not cease. (Genesis 8:22) That’s good news! If you have a need, ask God to reveal what you need to give. He will show you where and what seed to plant that will meet every need.

Jesus needed a place to preach. Simon needed to catch fish to earn a living. Jesus knew what Simon needed both professionally and spiritually because God knows what you need even before you ask. (Matthew 6:8) But He needs your faith to bring all His promises true in your life. Simon headed out into the deep knowing that fish are hard to catch in the daytime. But at the word of Jesus, he threw out his nets. And his faith was rewarded with an abundant net-breaking catch of fish! Faith works in the heart (spirit) and will produce God’s promises in ways that are above and beyond anything you could ever imagine. Start studying the Word today and you will see God’s miracles in your life!

The Kingdom of God is God’s way of doing things. When you start living the way God intended, there is nothing impossible. God’s supernatural, earth-creating power is available to you. Making a few fish swim into a net on a clear day is nothing for the Creator of the universe. But God needs you to believe that He is able. If you believe, all things are possible! (Matthew 17:20, 19:26; Mark 9:23, 10:27; Luke 1:37)

Faith Building Exercise

Faith comes by continually hearing God’s Word. When you confess (speak) God’s Word out loud you are planting God’s incorruptible seed in your heart (spirit). In time, God’s Word will take root in your spirit (heart) and produce a plentiful harvest of all God’s blessings and promises in your life.

Confess these out loud every day until you believe them in your spirit. They will build your faith. Look up these verses and read them as they appear in your Bible. You can always trust God’s Word because He cannot lie.

The Lord blesses what I sow (give). I harvest (receive) a hundred times what I plant in the same year. The Lord blesses me with prosperity.
(Genesis 26:12)

I obey the Lord and spend my days in prosperity and happiness.
(Job 36:11)

I give to the poor. It is a loan to the Lord and He will reward me.
(Proverbs 19:17)

I give my tithe and God opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out so much blessing that I do not have room for it all.
(Malachi 3:10)

I have faith like a seed and nothing is impossible when I plant it.
(Matthew 17:20)

I give and God gives me even more.
(Luke 6:38)

God does exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think.
(Ephesians 3:20)

I am even more blessed when I give than when I receive.
(Acts 20:35)

I am a cheerful giver and God loves me. I give generously and receive generously back. God gives me every blessing in abundance. In every circumstance, I have whatever I need in abundance to share with others.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

God gives me seed for sowing and multiplies and increases my harvest. God enriches me in all things so that my generosity produces joyful praise to God.
(2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

To learn more, click here: Miraculous Catch of Fish

Images:  John Paul Stanley / YoPlace.com

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