The Great Catches

The 1st Great Catch
Luke 5:1-11

1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 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 catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Observation
1. But because you say so… (5)
-- Will we say yes despite our senses?
2. Such a large number… (6)
-- Are will willing to follow when full?
3. (Simon) Fell at Jesus’ knees (8)
-- Are we unqualified enough to qualify?
4. From now on you will catch men (10)
-- Are we willing to let God SHAPE us?
5. Left everything and followed (11)
-- Are we totally committed to Him?

The 2nd Great Catch
John 21:1-14

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn."

Observation
I’m going out to fish (3)
-- Jesus makes all things sacred
Did not realize it was Jesus (4)
-- Jesus glorified body may have been different
It is the Lord! (7)
-- John recognized Jesus by His fruit, there are marks of God's presence
Jumped into the water (7)
-- Each personality type can live with a passion
Large number (6) Fish… bread… (9) Large… 153… (11)
-- We are most fruitful when we are in God's presence
The net was not torn (11)
-- When Jesus does a work, He can handle the results