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Miraculous Catch of Fish – Luke 5:1-11

They Toiled All Night And Caught Nothing. But One Word From Jesus Filled Two Boats With Fish. – Introduction

Simon (later Peter), Andrew, and their partners James and John. fished all night and caught nothing. Their survival was dependent on catching fish both as food, and to sell. Whatever they caught paid their taxes, and provided the things necessary to survive. The Sea of Galilee was rich with fish. But during the day, the water is clear, making it quite difficult to use a net.

Jesus knows what we need before we even ask. (Matthew 6:8) But He needed a place to preach, as the crowd was overwhelming Him. Jesus asked Simon to push out from the shore, and allow him to preach to the people using his boat. Simon then sat down and listened to the Word of God. When Jesus finished, Simon had met Jesus’ need, so Jesus was eager to meet Simon’s need, telling him to launch out into the deep for a huge catch. Reluctantly, Simon, who had just finished washing the nets, tossed them out into the deep. There were so many fish, the nets started breaking. His partners came along side, and they filled two boats to the point of almost sinking them both.

Scroll down to learn more about the miraculous catch fish, and find links to other free online resources based on this most unusual miracle.

This page is about the FIRST miraculous catch of fish found in Luke 5. Click the following link for a page on the Second Miraculous Catch of Fish found in John 21.

Matthew 4:19 - Jesus - I will make you fishers of men! Spoken to Andrew, Simon, James and John also in Luke 5.

2 And He saw two boats drawn up by the lake, but the fishermen had gone down from them and were washing their nets.
3 And getting into one of the boats, [the one] that belonged to Simon (Peter), He requested him to draw away a little from the shore. Then He sat down and continued to teach the crowd [of people] from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep [water], and lower your nets for a haul.

Luke 5:2-4 AMP

First Century Fishing On The Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias, or Kinneret (Gennesaret or Chinnereth), is a large inland body of water, in northwest Israel, near Jordan and Syria . It is a freshwater lake, fed by springs, but primarily the Jordan River in the North. It is approximately 13 miles long (21 km), and 8 miles wide (13 km), with a maximum depth of about 140 feet (43 m). It is a lake with many names, and an even richer history. It is also recognized as the lowest freshwater, and second lowest lake on Earth, at approximately 700 feet (214 m) below sea level. The lowest lake is also in Israel, the Dead Sea, at an approximately 1,378 feet (420 m) below sea level.

Clear lakes make fishing with linen nets very challenging during the day. But at night, fishermen would find schools of fish and harvest many at a time on a good night. However, it was often difficult to find them, often taking all night to gather a respectable catch. After sunrise, the fishermen sorted and sold their catch. They then cleaned and dried their nets. This required them to remove any items, plants or debris, that was caught on the nets, that might be seen by fish the next trip. They would also mend any tears at the same time. This was what Simon and the others were doing when approached by Jesus.

Fish most commonly caught in the Sea of Galilee include Carp, Catfish, and several species of Tilapia. The Mango Tilapia is also known as St Peter’s Fish – the fish that delivered the coin to Peter. Catfish did not have scales and therefore could not be consumed by the Jews. Tilapia was likely the preferred target, as they are most likely to be found in shoals. All the Tilapia mature quickly and reproduce abundantly, supporting the fishing industry for generations around the Sea of Galilee

Based on the archaeological find known as the Jesus Boat, revealed during a time when the lake level dipped, boats were approximately 27 feet long (8.2 m) long, 7.5 feet (2.3 m) wide. It has been estimated that the Jesus Boat could carry approximately 33,138 pounds (15.031 kg). There were places for 4 oars and a center sail. The crew was usually 4-6, although more could be carried. In John 21 for instance, seven went fishing together. The Jesus Boat dates from the 1st century, and is not necessarily an exact match of what Jesus and the disciples used. It is possible their boat could have been larger or smaller. Historians claim as many as 4,000 fishing boats once roamed the lake. Meaning there might have been quite the variety of shapes and sizes.

The People Pressed On Him To Hear The Word Of God

NOW IT occurred that while the people pressed upon Jesus to hear the message of God, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee).
Luke 5:1 AMP

Luke 5 - At the water’s edge were two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. Jesus got into one of the boats, belonging to Simon (Peter), and asked him to put out a little from the shore.

It was very early in His ministry, but Jesus was already drawing large crowds. They were hungry to hear the Word of God. They were tired of religion, as there was no life in the traditions and ceremonies. The people were raised on stories of great miracles, and a Heavenly Father concerned with their daily lives. But now, for many, it was nothing but a daily grind to survive. Oppressed by the Romans, and the religious, they were hungry for something better.

Just a short time earlier, Jesus announced His ministry in His home town of Nazareth. He shared with them the Mercy and Grace of God. The people of Nazareth rejected Him and the message. In their religious zeal, they attempted to throw Him off a cliff! Not wanting anyone else to even hear His message. In the Nazareth Synagogue, He read from Isaiah.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me;
Because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;
He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, …

Isaiah 61:1-2 KJV

He stopped reading midverse, because the rest of that verse had a future component that depended on Israel receiving their King. He correctly predicted what would come next, “You will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.” (Luke 4:23) Jesus would do exactly that, travel down to Capernaum, to the area around the Sea of Galilee, and teach in the Synagogues, cast out devils, and heal all that were sick, including Simon’s mother-in-law. Even the demons acknowledged who He was, while the people of His hometown attempted to kill him.

The people flocked to hear Him because Jesus taught with authority, not just quoting other theologians. It was these same folks who followed Him to the seaside, where He would borrow Simon’s boat and teach the multitude.

What Did Jesus Teach From Simon’s Boat?

Luke 5:3 - Then Jesus sat down and taught the people from Andrew and Simon's boat.

3 And getting into one of the boats, [the one] that belonged to Simon (Peter), He requested him to draw away a little from the shore. Then He sat down and continued to teach the crowd [of people] from the boat.
Luke 5:3 AMP

We can only speculate on what topics Jesus taught that day. Grace, Salvation, Mercy, Forgiveness, and the Kingdom were among many of the topics Jesus often discussed. I believe He likely talked about The Blessing. Israel had conditional promises that if they, hearkened diligently to the voice of the Lord, and to observe all His commandments, they would be Blessed in everything they did. (Deuteronomy 28) In fact, the Blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without the painful toil. (Proverbs 10:22) In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves. (Psalm 127:2) And Jesus would later add.

24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).
25 Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? [Ps. 39:5-7.]
28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.
29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.]
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:24-34 AMP

Simon and his partners were experiencing toil and lack. They were working hard, but not producing. For some reason, the Blessing was not working in their fishing business. Most likely sin was at least partially to blame, as Simon was terribly convicted by the miraculous catch. But more likely, God was not first in their lives. They were not putting their faith to work, and instead were relying on their own strength. Toiling is part of the curse. And it simply drives the fish away. Through toil, you will eat. (Genesis 3:17) Thankfully, Jesus set Believers free from the curse. (Galatians 3:13-14)

The Blessing is not an excuse to be lazy – just the opposite. Put God first and Believers will be MORE productive, MORE successful, and less likely to make mistakes. Imagine going fishing when the Lord says go, and going to the place He describes, and casting the net in the direction He points. How much more effective would the efforts be? Think of the time saved that could be used for ministry, family, and to be with the Lord in study and praise! While learning more about this miracle, consider this.

When we commit our actions to the Lord, our plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3) Jesus came so we can have and enjoy Life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. When we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. Apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Launch Out Into The Deep And Let Down Your Nets For A Draught

4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep [water], and lower your nets for a haul. 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 5:4-5 AMP

Luke 5:4-5 - 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.’

I’ve gone fishing for a day and not caught anything. It is very disappointing. But this was their livelihood, and they had toiled all night, come to shore and cleaned their nets. They were ready for a meal and some sleep. But Jesus said something that stirred their spirits. Simon heard a Word From The Lord. And it was, Launch out into the deep and lower your nets for a haul. (Luke 5:4)

Everything about Jesus’ request defied logic. It was daytime. They had fished all night. They were tired. The nets were clean and mended for the next trip. The enemy comes immediately to steal the Word. (Mark 4:15) But Simon did the right thing, he obeyed the Word of the Master and launched out.

He and Andrew tossed out the nets and it did not take long to notice that they were overflowing with fish. Animals obey their Creator. (Genesis 1:24-31, Job 12:7-10, Psalm 8:1-9, Psalm 50:10-11, Psalm 148:1-14) At the direction of Jesus, its quite likely that every fish in the lake was attempting to jump into their nets, such is the eagerness of creation to do the will of the Master. As they struggled with the load, and the nets started to tear. Simon signaled James and John to join them, and with the additional help, managed to fill both boats until they were close to sinking.

How Much Was The Miraculous Catch Worth?

I had this very same question and searched for ways to estimate the value. Fortunately, other people have gone down this path before me, and I trust their work. It is estimated that after accounting for the weight of the crew and passengers, each boat, based on the Jesus Boat mentioned above, could hold 31,438 lbs. per boat, for a total of 62,296 lbs. Click on the link for their full methodology and assumptions. In 1st Century currency, this is equivalent to 699,272 – 1,048,908 Denarii – controlling for factors such as the quality and size of the fish.

A skilled laborer would typically earn 50 Denarii daily, while a common laborer might make 25. Jewish males, after holidays and Sabbaths, might work 288 days a year, for an annual salary of 7,200 to 14,400 Denarii annually. This was obviously a boat-sinking, windows of Heaven are opened, windfall of a fishing trip. But that is what we should expect from our Heavenly Father, who is MORE THAN ENOUGH! With Him our cup runs over! (Psalm 23:1-6, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

Converting this to current US dollars, would yield $30,418,332.00 – $45,627,498.00. Split 4 ways, $7.6m – $11.4m. If there was any hesitation to follow Jesus because of concern for their family, or the business, Jesus proved that He was more than capable of supplying every need abundantly. It also demonstrates why walking away from the business was so simple. All debts were promptly paid, taxes were paid up to date, including any religious taxes. And each person provided their spouse and/or parents with enough to live without worry.

Depart From Me, For I Am A Sinful Man

Luke 5:8-10 - When Simon Peter saw
this, he fell at Jesus’ feet and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’

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;
10 And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon (Peter). And Jesus said to Simon, Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!

Luke 5:8-10 AMP

Simon witnessed Jesus healing his Mother-in-law, and heard him speak. But it wasn’t until this moment, when Jesus made his business an overnight success, that Simon truly believed Jesus was somebody special. God would later reveal to him, and he would confess publicly, that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:15-17) That Revelation from the Father had not quite manifest yet for Simon, but he was well on his way.

There were others with Simon, including the brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee in their own boat. And though not specifically mentioned, it is assumed Simon’s brother Andrew was with him on their boat. Other employees may have been present, but at least those four were. All four were transformed by this event.

Just imagine for a moment. You are working as a salesperson in a mattress store and have sold nothing for a few days. Think about the feelings of disappointment, of fear of not being able to pay the bills, or provide for your family. But then a Man comes along one morning and tells you to reset the floor and prepare for a crowd. You reluctantly follow his instructions. And then customer after customer comes in and buys multiple mattresses and furniture. Before the day is over, the store has set sales records higher than many busy holidays. How would you react if that was you? What if you earned your entire year in commissions in ONE DAY OF SALES? Would that transform your thinking about God, and how much He Truly Loves You? Dare to Believe God wants you to not only succeed, but be so Blessed, that you can be a Blessing to others! (Genesis 12:1-3, Joshua 1:1-9, Psalm 37:3-6, 2 Corinthians 9:1-15)

They Left Everything To Be Fishers Of Men

11 And after they had run their boats on shore, they left everything and joined Him as His disciples and sided with His party and accompanied Him.
Luke 5:11 AMP

Luke 5:11 - Having moored their boats they left everything and followed Jesus.

The four were aware of the testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus, witnessed Him healing and casting out demons. They listened to His teaching from the boat. And now they experienced this incredible abundant catch, made possible by obeying His Word. After all of this, how could they return to their ordinary lives? They had spent time with the Son of God, even though they might not have yet had that Revelation, they surely knew Jesus was a Man of God. If nothing else, they were curious, and wanted to know what else He would do.

I will make you Fishers of Men! (Matthew 4:19-29, Luke 5:10) They had learned the art of catching fish – casting a wide net, gathering them in, and separating the catch. It was hard work that at times was greatly rewarding, and at others, quite disappointing. Those lessons prepared them for the ministry ahead, as they would learn about the Kingdom of God and Salvation from the one person who understood it best. It wasn’t fish they were after, but mankind. First, ministering to the lost sheep of Israel, and later some Gentiles. Jesus’ ministry focused first on preaching the Kingdom of Heaven to Israel, the arrival of their long desired Messiah and King of a Kingdom on Earth. Israel rejected their King, and crucified Him. He appeared to the Disciples for forty days, teaching them about the Kingdom of God, and preparing them for the task that lay ahead. This foursome would make up the core of that group. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they spread the Word. (Matthew 10:1-42, Acts 1:1-14)

Comparing And Contrasting The Two Miraculous Catch Miracles

The Bible is an amazing book. So many ways you can study it, and whichever direction you select, you will find the influence of the Holy Spirit on the authors. There are two miracle catches in the Gospels. The first is in Luke 5:1-11, and was at the start of Jesus’ ministry. The second, in John 21:1-25, happened during a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus at the end. Both seem to be focused on Simon (Peter). The first brought him into the ministry as a fisher of men. The second restored him, after his three denials of Jesus. Over breakfast, Jesus asked him three times if Simon loved Him, and then when Peter answered, Jesus would command him to Feed my sheep. There is a lot more Revelation in their dialogue that should be studied, but that is beyond our scope.

Another interesting difference, they cast their nets in the first catch – filling both boats, even though the nets were breaking. In the second, they used just one net, and it did not break. And the exact number of fish is recorded in Scripture – 153. Many have attempted to explain this number. Because of its uniqueness, many assume their is a spiritual meaning behind it. But again its beyond the scope of this lesson.

After witnessing the first miraculous catch, Simon left everything behind, committing himself to follow Jesus. He had witnessed many miracles, but seeing his business transformed, was enough for him to change direction in life. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, Simon was a changed man, even announcing that he would never abandon Jesus. This was nice to hear, but Jesus knew Simon (Peter) better than he knew himself. He told Simon, this very night, before the Rooster crows, you will deny me three times. (Matthew 26:31-35) Everything happened as Jesus had explained. Jesus was arrested, tortured, crucified on a cross, and then hurriedly buried. Simon was devastated by the loss. And felt much guilt for denying Jesus. Not knowing what to do, he decided to return to fishing, taking several disciples with him. They toiled all night and caught nothing. Then a stranger on shore called out asking if they had any fish. They replied no. Then the stranger told them to cast their net on right side, and then they would find some. The massive haul immediately reminded Simon of that first miraculous catch, and the reasons why he followed Jesus. Knowing it was Jesus on the shore, Simon jumped into the water and waded ashore. It was there they were reconciled. His denials forgotten and forgiven, he was free to be the fisher of men, that Jesus called him to be. (John 21:1-19)

Read the story of the Miraculous Catch of Fish story in five popular translations – AMP, KJV, HCSB, NIV, The Message:

Miraculous Catch of Fish – Luke 5:1-11

 

Check out all the wonderful Christian content linked below and learn more about this miracle.

 

Children’s Bible Stories – Scriptures and Adaptations on the Miraculous Catch story

Simon’s Net-breaking, Boat-sinking Catch of Fish – A Bible story based on Simon’s abundant catch of fish found in the Gospel of Luke

A Net Full of Fishes – The story of the great catch of fish in modern language

Children’s Activities, Crafts, Coloring Pages, Music & Poetry for the Big Catch of Fish Miracle

Apostles Bible Coloring Pages – Coloring pages based on Luke 5

Fishers of Men – Coloring page based on the draught of fish miracle

Fishing For People – Coloring page based on the miracle catch of fish

Let’s Go Fishing – Interactive group ideas for teaching Luke 5

Fishing For People – A puzzle based on Luke 5

Fishing For People – A crossword puzzle based on the miracle catch of fish

Fishing For People – Multiple choice quiz based on Luke 5

Fishing For People– Word Search puzzle based on the miraculous catch of fish

“I Will Make You Fishers of Men” – Written by Elaine Kirkpatrick and “Fishers of Men” written by Harry D. Clarke – Find both halfway down the page.

Children’s Sermons & Lessons on the Draught of Fish Miracle

Casting a Net – A children’s sermon from Luke 5:1-11

Let’s Go Fishing
– An object lesson based on Luke 5

Devotions, Discussions & Sermons and Other Resources About Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

Fishermen to Fishers of Men – Additional resources related to the miracle catch of fish and calling the first Disciples

The First Draught of Fishes – A nice summary on Simon’s miracle catch of fish

How To Hook a Fisherman – Another excellent summary on Luke 5:1-11

The Call of Peter, James and John – A lengthy, but excellent summary of Luke 5

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Great Catch of Fish – A Bible study from Luke 5:1-11

Sea of Galilee – A secular overview of the lake where the miracle catch took place

The Miraculous Draught Of Fish – A study of Luke 5:1-11 by Harold S. Martin

The Galilean Fishing Economy and the Jesus Tradition – An article that examines fishing as a sub-system within the political-economy and domestic-economy of first-century Galilee.

Peter’s Catch of Fish – Biblical art on the Internet

Capernaum – Information and pictures on Peter’s hometown

They Left Their Nets Behind – A summary of fishing in Israel during the time of Jesus

Capernaum– A good summary of Capernaum’s role in Jesus’ ministry

Video Lesson – Jesus Causes A Miraculous Catch Of Fish

Outstanding Teaching on the Miracle Catch – Luke 5:1-11

Header Image “Fishers of Men” source: www.Bibleversestogo.com

Image Source: www.LumoProject.com

Search for Other Christian Web Sites.

Suggested Search Terms: Jesus, Miracles of Jesus, Draught of fish, Luke 5, Peter, Capernaum, Simon, Sea of Galilee, Fishers of men, Miraculous catch of fish

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1 Comment

  1. gsk.sundaram says:

    most complicated thoughts could be explained most simplest life events.FAITH IN HIMmost simplest aspect of lifecan lead to most complicated eventuality of life ,.HEis A SLAVE to my faith inHIM

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