What Jesus Didn't Say

Simon, James and John were fishermen.

When Jesus told Simon to drop his nets and catch a few, Simon was skeptical. They had been working all night and hadn't caught a thing. But, he had been listening to Jesus preach for a while, and was highly impressed. So he placed a little faith in Him and gave it a shot.

The results were astonishing.
They caught so many fish it almost sunk two boats.
You would think Simon would be so grateful that he would dance and shout for joy.

But instead, he was overwhelmed with the truth, the reality, of who this man Jesus was...
he fell to his knees in fear and confessed it.

"Go away from me Lord, I am a sinful man"
Luke 5:8

Jesus didn't disagree with him. He didn't slap him on his back and attempt to reassure and inspire him with half (or even whole) hearted platitudes. "No Simon, you're great! you've been patient, you've worked hard, you've prayed hard, you've earned it, you deserve it, enjoy it!"

Jesus allowed Simon to experience gratitude.
That is not of this world.
To embrace the Truth.
Beyond the material.
Deep and Eternal.

...then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
So they pulled their boats up on the shore, left everything and followed Him.
Luke 5:10,11

Simon, James and John were fishermen.