Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
As Believers, we have been given all authority and all power in this earth in Jesus Christ upon acceptance and confession of Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. Everything that belongs to Jesus belongs to the Believer (Romans 8:17; John 16:15). All the works Jesus did, we are able to do (John 14:12), and greater. Greater doesn’t mean we have any more authority and power than Jesus did or does. It means, in our lifetime, we can perform, participate in, and support the preaching and teaching of The Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world. We are able to build churches, build missions, fund Sisters and Brothers in Christ to take The Gospel throughout the United States and the world, put in place satellite constellations, build Christian orphanages, build Christian schools, build churches, dig wells, build homes, help the poor, help the widows, support the printing of Bibles to give to the world, support the production of ministry aids to use to preach and teach The Word of God all over the world, etc. This is “the greater works.” Jesus told us we can do what He did and greater.
For a Believer to do the works Jesus did, and greater works, the Believer must meet two conditions: be willing and be obedient. To do both requires faith. For we can do nothing for God if we are not doing it in faith. But what does it mean to be willing and to be obedient. Thankfully, God’s Word, as always, in all situations in life, provides the absolute [the one, the only; there is no other] wisdom and solution. If we look to Isaiah 1:19, we’ll find the explanation hidden in plain sight.
Isaiah 1:19
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
“Willing” = Hebrew word “abah” which means, “to be willing, to consent, to yield, to desire.” A deeper meaning is “the Hebrew verb “abah” primarily conveys the idea of willingness or consent. It is used to express a person’s readiness or desire to do something, often in the context of making a choice or decision. The term can also imply a sense of yielding or giving in to a request or command.”
“Obedient” = Hebrew word “shama`” which means, “to hear, listen, obey.” A deeper meaning is, “The Hebrew verb “shama” primarily means “to hear” or “to listen.” It extends beyond the mere act of hearing to include understanding, paying attention, and responding appropriately, often implying obedience. In the biblical context, “shama” is frequently used to describe the act of listening to God’s voice, commandments, or instructions, and it often carries the connotation of obedience as a response to hearing.”
“Willing” implies “being yielded or submitted to God.” It is a heart attitude. “Obedience” implies “hearing and obeying (doing).” A good analogy is the story of the young boy in class who was told to stand up by the teacher, and he refused. He eventually stood up but said, “I’m standing up on the outside, but I’m sitting down on the inside.” This statement implies the young boy is obedient or that he hears and obeys on the outside, but on the inside, from the heart, he is not yielded and submitted.” God requires us to be both willing [heart yielded] and obedient [to hear and obey].
“The good” = Hebrew word “tuwb” which means, “goodness, good things, prosperity, welfare.” A deeper meaning is, “The Hebrew word “tub” primarily denotes the concept of goodness, encompassing both moral goodness and material prosperity. It is often used to describe the benevolent nature of God, the blessings He bestows upon His people, and the general well-being that comes from living in accordance with His will. The term can refer to both tangible and intangible benefits, including wealth, happiness, and moral virtue.”
The Holy Spirit, through Isaiah, tells us that if we are heart yielded and hear and obey The Word of God, we SHALL [“shall” is used as an imperative = to give an authoritative command] receive (eat of) the goodness, the good things, the prosperity, the wealth, and the good welfare in this life and in the life to come. I always like to find examples in the Scriptures of the Spiritual laws at work to help teach me and to help me teach others. My heart’s desire, is that of God’s desire: so we can enjoy all God has for us and for our Sisters and Brothers in Christ and to be a blessing to the families of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3).
One such Scriptural example is found in Luke Chapter 5 involving Jesus, Simon (Peter), James, and John. Jesus is surrounded by a very large crowd numbering in the thousands, and He is teaching them by the seaside. At the same time, Simon, James, and John, all professional fishermen, are cleaning and repairing their fishing nets after a long night of fishing and catching nothing. Jesus asks Simon if He can borrow his ship (not a boat, a ship). Simon agrees, and Jesus asks him to push back from shore so Jesus can address the large crowd better, so they can see Him, and so His voice will project better over the water to the multitude. While Jesus is teaching, Simon is busy in his ship repairing a net. At the same time Simon is repairing the net, he is also hearing what Jesus is teaching. Simon has heard Jesus preach and teach several times in the local synagogue. Simon is familiar enough with Jesus to provide Him the respect and honor due to a Rabbi or Rabbinical authority. But he doesn’t yet see Jesus as The Messiah.
Upon the conclusion of Jesus’ teaching, He asked Simon to push out further into the deep and to let down his nets [not “net” but “nets”]. In Luke 5:5, we can see Simon’s response to Jesus.
Luke 5:5
And Simon answering said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy Word I will let down the net.
“Master” = Greek word, “epistates” which means “master, overseer.” A deeper meaning is, “The term “epistates” is used in the New Testament to denote someone who holds authority or command, often translated as “master” or “overseer.” It conveys a sense of leadership and responsibility, typically in a context where the person addressed is recognized for their authority and ability to direct or instruct others. This is applicable in a worldly sense.”
“Word” = Greek word “rhema” which means, “word, saying, utterance, matter.” A deeper meaning is, “in the New Testament, “rhéma” refers to that which is spoken, an utterance, or a specific word or saying. It often emphasizes the spoken word as opposed to the written word (logos). Rhéma can denote a particular statement or command, often with a focus on its immediate impact or relevance.”
Question: Based on the definition of “willing” and the definition of “obedient” from Isaiah 1:19, was Peter willing and obedient in Luke 5:5 or was he just willing or just obedient or neither?
Answer: Based on the definitions of willing and obedient from Isaiah 1:19 and the fact Peter saw Jesus, at this moment, as simply a person of rabbinical authority, Peter “listened and obeyed,” but he was not fully yielded. This is why we see Peter let down one net and not Jesus’ instruction of “nets.” But, as we will see in reading The Scriptures, Peter did exercise a mustard seed of faith in his obedience and willingness, even if not fully yielded.
Luke 5:8
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Notice the shift in the name from “Simon” to “Simon Peter” in Luke 5:8. What is this about? We remember that Jesus later changes Peter’s name from Simon to Peter and states that Peter will be a foundational member of the church to come, a rock, which will be built on the Spiritual Rock, Jesus Christ. Jesus meets Simon as a fisherman, someone engaged in his daily, ordinary life. After the miraculous catch of fish, Simon recognizes Jesus’ divine authority, humbling himself, saying, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Jesus, instead of turning away, calls Simon to a higher purpose: “From now on you will fish for people” (Luke 5:10). This signifies a transformation—from a life of catching fish to a mission of bringing people into God’s Kingdom. Peter’s name implies Jesus as the Cornerstone and Peter as a part of the foundational wall built off the Cornerstone.
“Lord” = Greek word, “kurios” which means “Lord, master, owner.” A deeper meaning is, “In the New Testament, “kurios” is used to denote someone who possesses authority, control, or power. It is often translated as “Lord” and is used to refer to God, Jesus Christ, and sometimes human masters. The term signifies respect, reverence, and acknowledgment of authority. In the context of Jesus, it underscores His divine nature and authority as The Son of God.”
Luke 5:9
For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
“Astonished” = Greek word “thambos” which means, “astonishment, amazement, wonder.” A deeper meaning is, “conveying a sense of overwhelming amazement or astonishment, often in response to witnessing something extraordinary or miraculous. It is used in the New Testament to describe the reaction of individuals who encounter the divine power and authority of Jesus Christ or His apostles. This term captures the profound impact of witnessing God’s work, leaving individuals in awe and wonder.”
To help us have a better understanding of Peter’s, James’, and John’s astonishment, the ships that were produced in Galilee during this time were monopolized by one family. The ship could hold six tons, or 12,000 pounds of fish, safely. These were not rowboats or dinghies. The Scriptures speak of the fact both Peter’s and James’ and John’s ships were about to sink under the heavy load of fishes. This must mean both ships had much more than the 12,000 pounds of fish it could safely hold. We can easily imagine 25,000 pounds of fish or more between the two ships. This represented 10-15 years of catches in ONE NET at one time. Jesus truly is life, more abundantly.
Question: Was this one instance of a miraculous catch what brought Peter to the conclusion Jesus was Lord and divine?
Answer: God’s Word tells us faith comes by hearing and hearing by The Word of God (Romans 10:17). The miracle itself would not have been enough to convince Peter. The Scriptures tell us many people witnessed Jesus’ miracles, but they didn’t repent or come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as the Christ (Messiah). Peter heard the preaching and teaching of Jesus in the synagogue, in the way, and in his ship. The Word along with signs and wonders convinced Peter that Jesus was The Messiah.
Peter’s obedience, albeit imperfect, shows that even when our faith or willingness falls short of full submission, God’s grace can still work powerfully in our lives. The miraculous catch serves as an example of God blessing Peter beyond his expectations, not because Peter perfectly followed Jesus’ instruction, but because he took a step of faith and acted on what he was asked.
This ties into the concept of God blessing us thirty, sixty, or one-hundred-fold, as described in Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13:8, Mark 4:8). When we plant seeds of faith, obedience, and willingness—even if imperfect—God can multiply the fruit of our efforts. The “fold” blessings are a reminder of God’s abundant nature and how His rewards often surpass what we anticipate.
It also emphasizes the importance of intention and surrender. Peter’s willingness to let down the net, despite initial hesitation, mirrors how God can take even our hesitant steps of faith and transform them into something extraordinary. It’s not about our perfection but rather our heart and trust in Him.
The concept of having faith “as small as a mustard seed” (found in Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6) emphasizes how even a tiny amount of genuine faith can yield remarkable results. It’s not the size of the faith that matters, but the power of the One in Whom we place our trust. Similarly, Peter’s partial obedience—letting down a single net instead of multiple nets—still demonstrated some level of faith, albeit imperfect.
This highlights an important truth: God doesn’t require perfect faith or perfect willingness to work in our lives. Just as Peter’s small act of obedience resulted in a miraculous catch, faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Both examples underscore God’s ability to do extraordinary things when we take even hesitant steps toward Him. In essence, Peter’s story reflects that God’s blessings aren’t contingent upon the completeness of our actions, but rather our willingness to trust, even if it’s just a mustard-seed-sized step of faith. It’s an encouraging reminder of God’s grace and power. It always brings me to recall the story of the Prodigal Son; how the father was always looking expectantly for the son, and when the father saw him afar off, the father took off running to the wayward son. God always moves on our faith, even if it is only mustard seed sized. This is His graciousness, goodness, and mercy at work in His prized creation.
One last point. Once Peter sowed his ship into The Kingdom upon Jesus’ request, Jesus was obligated under the Spiritual Law of Sowing and Reaping to provide Peter with the Spiritual Law of Manifold Return. Why was Jesus obligated? Because God’s Word mandated it. It works the same for us as Believers. When Jesus asks you to sow, don’t hesitate, don’t try to negotiate, don’t be a fool. Just do exactly what Jesus tells you and enjoy the incredible return of abundance (John 10:10).
In closing, I leave you with one thought to ponder. What would have happened if Peter had let down the “nets.” I pray we’ll let down the nets when Jesus commands us.
Much love in Jesus Christ,
Larry