MCV (Marci's Creative Version)

Meditation on Luke 5:1-11:

The people were pushing and crowding their way in. “I am about to get pushed into the water if I don’t find a better place to talk from” Jesus thought to himself.

There were so many, all straining to hear what He had to say. His forehead wrinkled in concentration. He knew some were just there to ridicule. Some were just there because of all the rumors that had been spreading lately. He continued to scan the crowd and tried not to remember all the different titles he had been given in the last few weeks.

Then he saw her and his heart leapt with joy and thanksgiving to His Father. The prostitute carefully hiding her face from the crowd under her shawl was here again today. She was one of the few in this large crowd that was hungry for the bread that only he could give.

As he was looking around for a place to stand he saw Simon and his brother.

“Ugghhh… let’s get these nets in and clean. We are obviously done for the day.” Simon spit the words out frustrated and hungry.

Jesus almost laughed out loud at Simon’s outburst, remembering again how much he loved Simon’s passion and zeal. Jesus’ smile widened as a perfect idea entered his mind. Under his breath Jesus whispered, “Oh Simon, I know how to win you… you just wait…”

“Hey Simon! Could I use your boat for a bit to talk to these people?” Jesus yelled over the voices of the crowd.

Simon, looks at Jesus. A few days ago, Simon was listening to this new teacher and something about what he said caused a churning in Simon. Simon wasn't convinced it was a good churning and he wasn’t sure what to think about this Jesus. But, Simon didn’t think he evil as some were saying. Simon nodded, “Sure, why not? Old thing is not doing me any good today.”

Simon went back to cleaning the nets and tried to pretend he was working, not listening to the new teacher…

Simon’s heart burned as Jesus spoke but his mind reminded him that it was just another day, and the prophecy about the Messiah was given over 400 years ago.

He laughed at himself at actually entertaining any thought that this new man was “the One.” If he was “the one” would he actually be using a poor fisherman’s boat to talk to the people? Everybody knew "the One" was a mighty king and would reign on David's throne...

Simon was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t realize that Jesus had stopped talking and that many of the people in the crowd had left. He saw Jesus walking toward him.

“Simon, take your boats out again and put your nets into the deep water to catch the fish for today.”

Jesus said this so matter of fact that Simon, was at first startled and confused, then angry at such arrogance… Wasn’t this guy a carpenter’s son? What did he know about fishing. Simon had been fishing since He could walk. No, even since before he could walk his dad had taken him out into the deep waters to fish... "Who was this guy?" Simon thought to himself.

Simon, tried to stifle his anger but remain authoritative,
“Teacher, we have worked all night and we didn’t catch anything.”

Jesus locked Simon’s gaze and held it. Only seconds went by but it felt like minutes for Simon.

Some unspoken, deep unto deep trust, love, and intense power came from his eyes and beckoned Simon’s heart and soul. Simon didn’t know what to think and he was completely unsettled by the whole thing. He thought about running but where would he go… Simon, when he could find his voice said, “Okay, teacher if that is what you say, I will do it…