When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8)
Depart!
I am a sinner!
Get away from me Jesus!
Do you hear the sorrow in Peter’s voice? The agony? The urgency?
Because of the fishing miracle Jesus had just performed, Simon Peter knew (or at least has some idea) that he was in the presence of a Man of great power and significance. Whether or not he knew he is in the presence of God, I don’t know.
But what Simon Peter does know for sure? That he is a sinner.
And a sinner has no business being with someone so great.
So Simon falls to his knees and begs Jesus to leave.
Get away from me. I want to be with you. You are Lord, but my sin will get on you. My dirtiness will some how mingle with and ruin your righteousness.
Isn’t a horrible lie that we, too, believe at one point or another in our lives? That we are not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus. For some awful reason we believe that we must be clean — perfect and sin free — in every way or we cannot be near God.
We are so wrong.
When Jesus heard Simon Peter’s plea to leave, He didn’t say ok. No, He said, “Do not be afraid” (v10).
And at His word Simon Peter and his companions forsook all and followed Him (v11).
Jesus isn’t scared of or disgusted with our filth. He doesn’t shy away from our mess or worry that being near us will make Him look bad.
Jesus is too selfless for those type of thoughts or that kind of snobby attitude.
Jesus loves us too much to keep us at arms length.
He wants us to stop being afraid of our past, current, and future sins. He wants us to join Him in the work of catching men — sharing the Good News that Jesus loves.
Why? Because He wants us to experience the joy of others experiencing the joy of knowing He wants them too.
Friends, your sin, your kid’s sin, your Mom or Dad’s sin, your neighbor’s sin, none of it stands between us and Jesus. He’s calling.
He wants each of us.
Will you forsake all and follow?
Friends,
Are you afraid that Jesus will turn His nose up at you? Are you afraid that He will reject you because of your sin? Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid! He loves you right were you are at, despite your sins. Come follow Him, He will show you. He will show His love. He will show you how to love others.
This post was written while reading Quietly Through the Bible. Are you interested in simply reading quietly through the Bible? Considering joining our small community of Bible readers. Or just downloading the two-year reading plan and jump right in.
Have you written a post in response to a Bible passage you read this week? Please share a link in the comments. I’d love to read it.
Only by grace,
Kelli