A Micro-Group Look at Luke 5:1-11
Pondering Point
Aside from the spiritual MG Jesus formed with Peter, James, and John -- and Peter’s marital MG -- here is an example of a different type of MG in Peter’s life. Read Luke 5:1-11 to shed light on it.
Luke 5:1-11
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
When Jesus stepped into Peter’s boat, He stepped into a pre-existing MG of Peter, James and John – fishing buddies. The Bible calls them partners, but it is the same “churchy” word in Greek that we use for “fellowship” (koinonia).
This is a key understanding to the MG life of disciples. While we can be open to starting new relationships, more so we look to welcome Jesus into pre-existing fellowships (when and where the Holy Spirit directs). We may not be able to foster dozens of Small Groups, but we can be intentional about a few of the dozens of MGs that already exist in our current lives. We can, like Jesus, invite others into a deeper spiritual journey as well. These groups meet anywhere from weekly to monthly. To drive this lifestyle home for participants, we designed this group series to highlight the Micro Group examples in multiple New Testament people.
- Are you open to letting Jesus use pre-existing MGs in your life as a platform to teach or connect with others?
- Think about current or past MGs that include teammates or partners of yours. They may be based on work (like Peter) or hobbies like scouting, bowling, music, or book clubs. They could be family-, health- or sports-oriented. Take time to share when you gather with your MG.
Journal Prompt:
What kinds of MGs are in your past?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I welcome You into my "boat" – my places of work or hobby or relaxation. Let me view You as such a great blessing that I want to have my co-workers, teammates and friends come along with me as I follow You. What joy that would bring You – and me! Let it be so in Your name Jesus. Amen.
This is the second week of the Micro-Group lessons.
The first week starts here.
The second week starts here.
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