Simon has just hosted the preacher, Jesus, who had used his boat as a pulpit to address the crowds (Luke 5:1-3).  The Master selected Simon's boat because, although he did not know it, Jesus wanted him to become His disciple.  The word 'disciple' does not mean 'follower', as many think, but 'learner'.  True learning is always practical.  It is not enough for disciples to be present or to hear (like many who sit in church); it is essential that they learn what they have heard by putting the teaching into practice (Luke 14:27).

That was the next phase of Simon's spiritual education.  Fish usually go deep in the heat of the day; even the previous night had been a fishing disaster as none were caught.  Simon was expert in fishing, but Jesus was from the unrelated trade of carpentry.  Nevertheless, Simon was willing to accept instruction from Jesus, despite protesting that it would be useless to fish that day.  He had learned that Jesus' words were packed with authority.  He had enough faith to put the nets out; a real sign that he had understood that when Jesus spoke - powerful events happened (Luke 4:36).

Just then, a huge shoal of fish swam into the nets. The fishing gear was at breaking point, so James and John were signalled to come over in their boat to help.  So many fish came aboard that both boats became overloaded to the point of almost being submerged.  Then Simon Peter realised something: he had admired Jesus, listened to Jesus, and gone along with what Jesus wanted him to do ... but he did not believe in Jesus being God in a human body.  He had no idea that any fish would be caught, let alone two boats full.  But that episode taught the fisherman (and his brother Andrew, and friends James and John) that Jesus had amazing knowledge, authority and power (Matthew 28:18).  To believe in Jesus was to recognise his own sinfulness and worship the only One who could save him.

Many of our friends, and even ourselves, may respect Jesus, and even do a few of the things He asks of us.  But do we believe that Jesus will fulfil whatever He has said, especially if it is humanly impossible?  'Believing in Jesus' is a whole-person commitment to receive God's Word and do it, even if logic and experience try to shout down the Lord's voice.  As we read the Bible, we find challenges that are bigger than our human resources.  Do we believe that when we obey the Lord, He will act in power?  Real disciples will say, ‘Yes’!  Even church-goers fall way short of the mark if they refuse to become disciples.  And don't forget, that because discipleship is a learning business, all that is required is the willingness to admit our sinful failure, choose to trust Jesus, and be willing to demonstrate it in practical obedience.