1 00:00:00,760 --> 00:00:05,280 Speaker 1: Let us pray. And so also James and John, the 2 00:00:05,320 --> 00:00:10,559 Speaker 1: sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon, and Jesus said, 3 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:15,840 Speaker 1: unto Simon, fear not from hence thou shalt catch men 4 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:22,759 Speaker 1: Luke five ten. Dear Jesus, in the same way that 5 00:00:22,880 --> 00:00:26,599 Speaker 1: you provided for Peter in his boat and provided a 6 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:31,880 Speaker 1: large catch of fish, I also thank you that instead 7 00:00:31,880 --> 00:00:35,800 Speaker 1: of fish, your allowing me to draw all men and 8 00:00:35,880 --> 00:00:40,040 Speaker 1: women to you and to your purpose for their lives. 9 00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:47,080 Speaker 1: Increase my influence, enlarge my reach, and give me the 10 00:00:47,159 --> 00:00:50,559 Speaker 1: ability to be a magnet for all whom I come 11 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:56,040 Speaker 1: in contact with. As you increase the influence I have 12 00:00:56,240 --> 00:00:59,560 Speaker 1: with others. I also thank you that you will give 13 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:03,400 Speaker 1: me the ability to supernaturally heal the areas in their 14 00:01:03,480 --> 00:01:09,839 Speaker 1: lives that is robbing them from experiencing community purpose and fulfillment. 15 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:15,840 Speaker 1: Like the leper in today's reading, I pray that they 16 00:01:15,920 --> 00:01:19,920 Speaker 1: will spread the word of how good you are and 17 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:23,760 Speaker 1: that you are always willing to heal and uplift those 18 00:01:24,040 --> 00:01:31,120 Speaker 1: in need. Today I acknowledge that I am a fisher 19 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:39,839 Speaker 1: of men in Jesus' name. Amen, Listening to these daily 20 00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:43,959 Speaker 1: prayers strengthens your relationship with God. Continue hearing from the 21 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 1: Lord by listening to today's Bible in a Year, brought 22 00:01:48,400 --> 00:02:00,960 Speaker 1: to you by Bible in a Year dot Com of Men. 23 00:02:01,880 --> 00:02:05,120 Speaker 2: In our last story, the ministry of Jesus began to 24 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:10,079 Speaker 2: take on form. Jesus would preach with authority, heal with compassion, 25 00:02:10,360 --> 00:02:13,960 Speaker 2: and cast out demons with power. His fame began to 26 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:19,280 Speaker 2: grow rapidly. Now we learn about Jesus's individual ministry. He 27 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:22,320 Speaker 2: did not just preach to crowds. He would connect with 28 00:02:22,400 --> 00:02:27,919 Speaker 2: individuals and change their lives forever. Inspired by the Gospels. 29 00:02:29,240 --> 00:02:31,880 Speaker 3: Hello, and welcome once again to the Bible in a Year. 30 00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:35,440 Speaker 3: This is Jack Graham. In our last episode, we heard how, 31 00:02:35,480 --> 00:02:39,120 Speaker 3: despite the miracles that Jesus performed and the wisdom and 32 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:43,959 Speaker 3: insight with which he spoke, Jesus was not accepted by all, 33 00:02:44,680 --> 00:02:46,760 Speaker 3: and was even run out of his own hometown of 34 00:02:46,880 --> 00:02:51,000 Speaker 3: Nazareth under threat of death. Still, Krauss continued to flock 35 00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:53,520 Speaker 3: to Jesus to hear him speak and to catch a 36 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:57,760 Speaker 3: glimpse of the marvelous miracles wonders that he performed. Today, 37 00:02:58,040 --> 00:03:00,560 Speaker 3: we'll hear how Jesus encountered men and women at a 38 00:03:00,720 --> 00:03:04,880 Speaker 3: very personal level. Healing not only their physical illnesses, but 39 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:07,840 Speaker 3: opening their eyes to a life of abundance and joy, 40 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:12,080 Speaker 3: and changing their hearts forever. So let's listen now to 41 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:15,480 Speaker 3: the word of God. In the Gospels of Jesus Christ. 42 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 2: Peter leaned his head against the mast of his boat. 43 00:03:20,520 --> 00:03:24,279 Speaker 2: An entire night wasted and the water had yielded no fish. 44 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:28,520 Speaker 2: He had toiled relentlessly, only to come up empty. Andrew 45 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:32,000 Speaker 2: was washing the nets beside him. He too was disappointed 46 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:34,640 Speaker 2: at the lack of fish. Peter looked up at the 47 00:03:34,639 --> 00:03:37,560 Speaker 2: clouds and listened to the seagulls fly out to sea. 48 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:41,240 Speaker 2: Perhaps the birds would have better luck than him, He 49 00:03:41,400 --> 00:03:44,720 Speaker 2: sighed and began to close his eyes and rest. The 50 00:03:44,800 --> 00:03:47,960 Speaker 2: gentle breeze rolled in from the water and gently rocked 51 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:51,720 Speaker 2: his boat. Peter's moment of peace was quickly interrupted by 52 00:03:51,760 --> 00:03:54,720 Speaker 2: the sound of people. Peter opened his eyes and saw 53 00:03:54,840 --> 00:03:58,640 Speaker 2: hundreds of people following Jesus. They were so desperate to 54 00:03:58,680 --> 00:04:01,600 Speaker 2: hear him that they were nearly trampling him to get closer. 55 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:05,880 Speaker 2: Jesus could see Peter and Andrew from a distance. He 56 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:08,800 Speaker 2: waved and jogged over to them. Would you mind letting 57 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:11,880 Speaker 2: me use your boat to teach from the crowds will 58 00:04:11,920 --> 00:04:15,040 Speaker 2: trample me if I don't get above them. Peter agreed 59 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:18,000 Speaker 2: his boat might as well get some use for that day. 60 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:23,200 Speaker 2: Jesus spoke for a while. Peter listened from behind, half listening, 61 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:27,359 Speaker 2: half daydreaming. After Jesus was finished, he turned back to 62 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:30,599 Speaker 2: Peter and Andrew. Why don't we go out into the 63 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:33,880 Speaker 2: deep and put your nets out for a catch, Jesus asked. 64 00:04:34,640 --> 00:04:38,600 Speaker 2: Peter gave a condescending laugh. Master, we have toiled all 65 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:41,280 Speaker 2: night and have nothing to show for it. He looked 66 00:04:41,279 --> 00:04:44,919 Speaker 2: at Jesus. He was earnest and clearly wanted Peter to 67 00:04:44,960 --> 00:04:49,360 Speaker 2: take the boat out. Peter shrugged, Fine, that's your word, 68 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:53,400 Speaker 2: we will go out, So Peter and Andrew reluctantly took 69 00:04:53,440 --> 00:04:56,479 Speaker 2: the boat out. Peter gathered up the nets and tossed 70 00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:59,320 Speaker 2: them to the side of the boat. Then Peter sat, 71 00:04:59,520 --> 00:05:03,719 Speaker 2: knowing that nothing would catch. Just as Peter was getting comfortable, 72 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:07,120 Speaker 2: he could hear the sound of stretching rope. The net 73 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:10,040 Speaker 2: was tightening on the side of the boat. Peter leaped 74 00:05:10,080 --> 00:05:13,320 Speaker 2: to his feet and looked overboard. His net was completely 75 00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:16,599 Speaker 2: filled with fish, so much that the nets seemed like 76 00:05:16,600 --> 00:05:20,400 Speaker 2: it was about to break. Peter, Andrew, and Jesus tugged 77 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:23,400 Speaker 2: on the nets and hurled in the largest catch Peter 78 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:26,360 Speaker 2: had ever witnessed. The nets on the other side of 79 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:29,520 Speaker 2: the boat were overflowing as well, so Peter gestured for 80 00:05:29,600 --> 00:05:32,160 Speaker 2: James and John to bring out their boats as well. 81 00:05:33,440 --> 00:05:36,680 Speaker 2: The men rejoiced with their catch. This bigger catch would 82 00:05:36,720 --> 00:05:40,279 Speaker 2: provide for their families for months. All the men danced 83 00:05:40,320 --> 00:05:43,960 Speaker 2: in place and shouted for joy, but not Peter. He 84 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:47,400 Speaker 2: looked at Jesus and fell to his face. He was broken. 85 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:52,760 Speaker 2: He felt unworthy of Jesus's gift. Depart from me, Lord, 86 00:05:52,960 --> 00:05:56,520 Speaker 2: he said, I am a sinful man. Peter bowed his 87 00:05:56,600 --> 00:05:59,760 Speaker 2: head before him. Jesus knelt down and placed his head 88 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:03,240 Speaker 2: on Peter's shoulder. From now on, I will teach you 89 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:06,360 Speaker 2: how to be a fisher of men. So the two 90 00:06:06,400 --> 00:06:10,080 Speaker 2: of them departed with Andrew, James, and John. Later that evening, 91 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:13,760 Speaker 2: Jesus was able to heal Peter's mother in law. Peter's 92 00:06:14,080 --> 00:06:19,080 Speaker 2: entire world was being transformed by Jesus. Jesus was walking 93 00:06:19,120 --> 00:06:21,520 Speaker 2: among one of the cities, observing the needs of the 94 00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:24,560 Speaker 2: people around him. As he was pacing the city, Jesus 95 00:06:24,640 --> 00:06:28,120 Speaker 2: stumbled upon a man stricken with leprosy. The entire left 96 00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:30,360 Speaker 2: side of his face was mangled, and he could barely 97 00:06:30,400 --> 00:06:33,479 Speaker 2: lift his arms from the pain of rotting flesh. The 98 00:06:33,520 --> 00:06:37,600 Speaker 2: man approached Jesus gently. The men who were following Jesus 99 00:06:37,600 --> 00:06:41,360 Speaker 2: stepped back, but Jesus stepped forward. The leper fell at 100 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:46,200 Speaker 2: Jesus's feet. Please Lord, have mercy on me. The man 101 00:06:46,240 --> 00:06:49,320 Speaker 2: began to weep. If you are willing, I know you 102 00:06:49,360 --> 00:06:53,160 Speaker 2: can make me clean. Jesus's eyes began to water as 103 00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:56,240 Speaker 2: he listened to the man's cries. He knew how much 104 00:06:56,279 --> 00:06:59,120 Speaker 2: pain he was in. He knew how lonely leprosy had 105 00:06:59,120 --> 00:07:02,919 Speaker 2: made him. Jesus knelt down and hugged him. He held 106 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:04,520 Speaker 2: him in his arms as he wept. 107 00:07:05,320 --> 00:07:06,080 Speaker 3: I am willing. 108 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:11,760 Speaker 2: Jesus whispered, be clean, And as Jesus spoke, the leper's 109 00:07:11,760 --> 00:07:14,840 Speaker 2: limbs and face began to show color once again. The 110 00:07:14,960 --> 00:07:18,440 Speaker 2: leprosy had left him. The man leapt for joy. He 111 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:20,960 Speaker 2: wiggled his arms and kicked his feet. He was a 112 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:24,920 Speaker 2: new man. Jesus instructed him to tell nobody of what happened. 113 00:07:25,360 --> 00:07:27,440 Speaker 2: He was to go into the temple and give thanks 114 00:07:27,480 --> 00:07:31,640 Speaker 2: to God. However, the man did not listen. He shouted 115 00:07:31,720 --> 00:07:35,440 Speaker 2: Jesus's name in the city streets. As a result, droves 116 00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:38,920 Speaker 2: of people came to him with their infirmities. Jesus would 117 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:42,480 Speaker 2: spend all day helping them. Then, when the sun set, 118 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:45,560 Speaker 2: he withdrew to a secret place to meet with God 119 00:07:45,840 --> 00:07:46,480 Speaker 2: in quiet. 120 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:52,160 Speaker 3: In today's scripture, we find Peter and Andrew tired and 121 00:07:52,240 --> 00:07:55,760 Speaker 3: disappointed after a fruitless night of fishing the Sea of Galilee. 122 00:07:56,160 --> 00:07:59,040 Speaker 3: For them, fishing was not a pastime that took them 123 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,800 Speaker 3: away from the stress of ward. It was work and 124 00:08:01,960 --> 00:08:05,560 Speaker 3: life itself, and the previous night had been frustrating as 125 00:08:05,600 --> 00:08:08,920 Speaker 3: they were turned to shore empty handed. While they were 126 00:08:09,040 --> 00:08:12,640 Speaker 3: washing their nets, Jesus approached them, followed by a large 127 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:15,800 Speaker 3: crowd of people wanting to hear him speak. This was 128 00:08:15,840 --> 00:08:19,440 Speaker 3: becoming very common at this point, as droves of men 129 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:22,920 Speaker 3: and women follow Jesus everywhere, hanging on his every word. 130 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:26,160 Speaker 3: Jesus asked the fisherman if he could set off in 131 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:29,520 Speaker 3: their boat and speak to the crowds from the water. So, 132 00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:33,080 Speaker 3: with the prow of a boat for a pulpit, Jesus spoke. 133 00:08:33,920 --> 00:08:36,960 Speaker 3: The Son of God would have known the practical benefit 134 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:39,480 Speaker 3: of speaking from that place, as his voice would carry 135 00:08:39,520 --> 00:08:42,840 Speaker 3: well over the water and into the crowd. And as 136 00:08:42,840 --> 00:08:45,120 Speaker 3: I think of this scene, I can't help but be 137 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:48,000 Speaker 3: reminded of Psalm twenty nine, which says, the voice of 138 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:51,360 Speaker 3: the Lord is over the waters. And here we find 139 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:54,439 Speaker 3: that the Lord's voice literally went out over the waters 140 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:57,120 Speaker 3: to those who came to hear him, it was loud 141 00:08:57,240 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 3: and clear. When he was done teaching, Jesus asked Andrew 142 00:09:01,720 --> 00:09:03,920 Speaker 3: and Peter to put out into the water again and 143 00:09:03,960 --> 00:09:07,320 Speaker 3: throw their nets out again to catch some fish. The 144 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:12,560 Speaker 3: experienced and exhausted fishermen scoffed. They just tried all night 145 00:09:12,640 --> 00:09:17,120 Speaker 3: and returned with empty nets. So naturally Peter doubted the 146 00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:20,440 Speaker 3: likelihood of having any different results at this hour. But 147 00:09:20,600 --> 00:09:23,960 Speaker 3: still he replied, as we read in Luke five, but 148 00:09:24,120 --> 00:09:28,360 Speaker 3: because you say so, I will let down the nets. Now, 149 00:09:28,720 --> 00:09:31,360 Speaker 3: that is a very important lesson for all of us. 150 00:09:31,720 --> 00:09:36,360 Speaker 3: Because you say so, Peter was doubtful, and yet he obeyed. 151 00:09:37,080 --> 00:09:40,520 Speaker 3: You see, doubt is not the opposite of faith. Unbelief is. 152 00:09:40,920 --> 00:09:44,920 Speaker 3: Peter had some doubts and reservations. Even his past experience 153 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:48,400 Speaker 3: gave him some pause, but he did trust in Jesus, 154 00:09:48,800 --> 00:09:52,480 Speaker 3: and so they lowered their nets in faith and obedience, 155 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:55,040 Speaker 3: And when they tried to pull the nets back in, 156 00:09:55,600 --> 00:09:59,560 Speaker 3: they were astounded. Amazed, the nets that had returned empty 157 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:03,040 Speaker 3: time and time again just hours ago, were filled with fish. 158 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:06,000 Speaker 3: The catch was so big that their nets nearly broke 159 00:10:06,040 --> 00:10:09,920 Speaker 3: and their boats nearly sank. Peter's response to this was 160 00:10:09,960 --> 00:10:12,520 Speaker 3: to fall at the feet of Jesus and acknowledge his 161 00:10:12,640 --> 00:10:17,880 Speaker 3: position a sinner unworthy of such grace and blessing. Whereas 162 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:20,559 Speaker 3: the religious leaders of the day walk with their heads high, 163 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:24,120 Speaker 3: feeling entitled to God's blessing because of their rule following 164 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:27,800 Speaker 3: and strict living, Peter knew he was undeserving and fell 165 00:10:27,920 --> 00:10:31,600 Speaker 3: in humble worship, depending upon the grace of the Lord. 166 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:35,120 Speaker 3: Rather than go away, as Peter asked him to do, 167 00:10:35,640 --> 00:10:39,959 Speaker 3: Jesus gently graciously took Peter and told him that there 168 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:43,400 Speaker 3: was still much fishing to be done, only now he 169 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:47,640 Speaker 3: would become a fisher of men. Surely the words must 170 00:10:47,640 --> 00:10:50,960 Speaker 3: have been puzzling to Peter, how does one fish for people? 171 00:10:51,559 --> 00:10:55,640 Speaker 3: And still again, Peter followed by faith, along with Andrew, 172 00:10:55,800 --> 00:10:59,480 Speaker 3: James and John. Three of these men would become closer 173 00:10:59,520 --> 00:11:02,719 Speaker 3: to Jesus than any other the inner circle of disciples, 174 00:11:03,120 --> 00:11:07,280 Speaker 3: and they were all fishermen. Later that evening, Jesus healed 175 00:11:07,280 --> 00:11:11,240 Speaker 3: Peter's mother in law, bringing healing and transformation into the 176 00:11:11,280 --> 00:11:15,560 Speaker 3: apostle's household. But jesus healing ministry was not reserved for 177 00:11:15,600 --> 00:11:18,600 Speaker 3: those closest to him or a chosen few. As we 178 00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:21,640 Speaker 3: hear next, Jesus went into the city, seeing the deep 179 00:11:21,679 --> 00:11:25,680 Speaker 3: physical and spiritual needs of those around him, He encountered 180 00:11:25,679 --> 00:11:29,280 Speaker 3: a leper, a man whose physical illness and social ostracism 181 00:11:29,320 --> 00:11:32,720 Speaker 3: painted a picture of the condition, the spiritual condition and 182 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:37,319 Speaker 3: disease of all mankind without God. His flesh was consumed 183 00:11:37,320 --> 00:11:40,559 Speaker 3: with the disease, leaving him unfeeling and exposed to all 184 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:44,920 Speaker 3: kinds of injury, and because of his sickness, he was separated, 185 00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:49,000 Speaker 3: separated from all others. As Jesus approached him, the man 186 00:11:49,120 --> 00:11:51,920 Speaker 3: also fell at the feet of Jesus, asking to be 187 00:11:52,040 --> 00:11:56,080 Speaker 3: made whole, to be made clean, And with just a word, 188 00:11:56,520 --> 00:12:00,240 Speaker 3: Jesus spoke and healed the man, who went full of 189 00:12:00,320 --> 00:12:02,840 Speaker 3: joy into the city to tell all the things that 190 00:12:02,960 --> 00:12:06,240 Speaker 3: Christ had done for him, leading more and more crowds 191 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:11,520 Speaker 3: to seek the Lord out. This was Jesus ministry, speaking 192 00:12:11,600 --> 00:12:14,960 Speaker 3: healing into people's hearts and bodies and to strengthen and 193 00:12:15,040 --> 00:12:18,040 Speaker 3: sustain him. In that ministry, we see that Jesus never 194 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:22,680 Speaker 3: neglected to seek the presence of his heavenly Father, retreating 195 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:26,160 Speaker 3: often into solitude to speak to God. If that's what 196 00:12:26,320 --> 00:12:29,760 Speaker 3: Jesus himself needed, oh how much more you and I 197 00:12:29,880 --> 00:12:34,880 Speaker 3: need to seek God's strength through prayer and fellowship. Dear God, 198 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:37,559 Speaker 3: we thank you for the presence of Jesus, the power 199 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:41,680 Speaker 3: of Jesus. Thank you for the healing ministry, especially the 200 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:44,920 Speaker 3: ministry of healing the deepest longings and needs of the 201 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:48,360 Speaker 3: human soul. May we live in the joy of this salvation, 202 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:51,640 Speaker 3: the joy that Jesus gives us. We thank you for 203 00:12:51,720 --> 00:12:55,480 Speaker 3: today's reading and the examples of faith and the opportunity 204 00:12:55,679 --> 00:12:58,680 Speaker 3: to this very day that we can also seek God 205 00:12:58,720 --> 00:13:03,160 Speaker 3: by faith and follow Jesus and become fishers of men. 206 00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:07,359 Speaker 3: Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 207 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:11,080 Speaker 3: I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. You can download the 208 00:13:11,080 --> 00:13:13,960 Speaker 3: Prey dot Com app and make prayer a priority in 209 00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:17,440 Speaker 3: your life, just like over twenty million people have done 210 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:20,920 Speaker 3: to this date. If you enjoy this podcast, share it 211 00:13:20,960 --> 00:13:24,319 Speaker 3: with someone you know and love, because by sharing this 212 00:13:24,440 --> 00:13:26,760 Speaker 3: message of the Word of God, you can make an 213 00:13:26,840 --> 00:13:30,920 Speaker 3: eternal difference in someone's life. And I want to encourage 214 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:33,560 Speaker 3: you to go to Jack Graham dot org. That's me 215 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:37,439 Speaker 3: at Jack Graham dot org and we look forward to 216 00:13:37,559 --> 00:13:39,319 Speaker 3: joining you again the next time