Simon

Sermon Notes: Thursday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 

    This year’s Generosity emphasis is a journey through Luke. Throughout the gospel, Jesus meets folks where they are, offering radical grace. Each of these characters responded differently to God’s grace.

Simon (Luke 5:1-11): One day, Jesus was teaching along the Sea of Galilee. He came across fisherman who were washing their nets. Jesus jumped in the boat with Simon asking him to cast his nets in the deep water. Simon responded that he had fished all night with no catch, but if this is what Jesus wanted then he would do as he was told. To Simon’s surprise, he found that when he cast his nets there were so many fish that the nets were about to break. There were so many fish that Simon had to call others to help. Seeing the miracle of the abundant catch of fish, Simon cried out to Jesus that he was unworthy, and that Jesus should leave. But Jesus did not go away. Instead, Jesus invited him to follow. Luke 5:11 tells us that he left everything to follow Jesus. This was Simon’s response to grace. How will you respond?

Too often when we follow Jesus, we hold back. Unlike Simon, we rarely “surrender all.” What are we holding back? Making the time and commitment to a life of spiritual disciplines? Making a commitment to be active in worship and service? Resources? Sharing Christ with others? Using your being to glorify God? How is Jesus inviting you to respond?

Rev. Sherri