Jesus: Master (Epistates)
And Simon answering said unto him,
Master, we have toiled all the night,
nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Jesus sat in Peter’s boat and preached to a large crowd. When He finished, He told Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Because Jesus knew all things, He knew that Peter had fished all night but didn’t catch anything. Peter called Jesus Master, a title of respect that a worker would call a boss. Peter was respectful, but He replied, “I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). Did you see what Peter said? He would cast only one net, not all of the nets, as Jesus had originally commanded. Don’t we do the same thing? Aren’t we guilty of partial obedience to Jesus?
Jesus, forgive me for the times I have not completely obeyed You. Teach me to completely obey Your commands.
Notice what happened when Peter let down only one net: “They caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking” (Luke 5:6). Perhaps the singular net would not have been broken if Peter had let down all the nets. Isn’t partial obedience full disobedience? When Peter saw his net breaking and the boat filled with fish, he fell at Jesus’ feet, crying out, “O Lord!” (Luke 5:8). Notice the change in titles. Jesus is no longer just respected as a boss; Jesus is now revered as Master and Lord. Do you just respect Jesus as your boss, or do you revere Him as your Lord?
Lord Jesus, I revere your miracle-working powers, but I bow in worship because You are the Lord of the universe; You are my personal Lord. Amen.
Jesus is more than your Master; He wants to be Your Lord.
