Connect Luke 5:10 with Matthew 28:19-20 on making disciples. What similarities exist? Setting the Scene Luke 5 records Jesus’ early ministry by the Sea of Galilee, while Matthew 28 captures His final earthly words after the resurrection. Though separated by three years, both passages reveal one unified mission. The Commission in Luke 5:10 “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.’” • Spoken at the moment Peter, James, and John leave their nets. • “Catch men” (zōgreō) pictures rescuing people alive, pulling them from danger into life. • The call immediately follows a miraculous catch of fish, a visual lesson that divine power, not human skill, makes the mission fruitful. The Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” • Given to the Eleven after the resurrection. • “Make disciples” broadens “catching” into a lifelong process of conversion, baptism, and obedience. • Anchored in Jesus’ authority (v.18) and His ongoing presence (v.20). Key Similarities • Same Speaker—Jesus, possessing full authority (Luke 5:1-3; Matthew 28:18). • Same Audience—initially fishermen, later apostles; ordinary people invited into extraordinary purpose (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). • Same Mission—rescue people from sin and bring them into obedient relationship with Christ. – “Catch men” → evangelism. – “Make disciples” → evangelism plus nurturing growth. • Same Dependence on Divine Power—miraculous catch (Luke 5:6-7) parallels Jesus’ promise, “I am with you” (Matthew 28:20; cf. Acts 1:8). • Same Scope—expands from local lake to “all nations,” yet both start where the disciples stand (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8). • Same Urgency—“from now on” (Luke 5:10) and the present-tense command “go” (Matthew 28:19) stress immediate engagement. Practical Takeaways for Today • Exchange fear for faith: Jesus silences Peter’s fear before commissioning him; His presence still drives out fear in witness (2 Timothy 1:7-8). • Expect divine direction and provision: obedience releases God’s power, whether hauling nets or sharing the gospel (Philippians 4:13). • View disciple-making as ongoing labor: catching is the beginning, teaching is the continuation (Colossians 1:28-29). • Embrace the global vision from local beginnings: start with neighbors, family, coworkers, trusting Christ to widen the circle (Acts 16:31-34). • Lean on Christ’s abiding presence: success rests not on techniques but on the risen Lord who goes with every obedient disciple (John 15:5; Hebrews 13:5-6). |
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