As Jesus earthly ministry is inaugurated He made a very significant purpose statement: “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43b). So all of Jesus’ preaching, teaching, and performing miracles is with a singular focus – to build God’s kingdom.

One of Jesus favorite methods of conveying God’s Word was by using a parable. A parable is an earthly story or object lesson used to teach a spiritual or heavenly lesson. What is unique about this lesson in Luke 5:1-11 is that He acted out His parable by performing a miracle demonstrating His sovereign power and authority. Then He used that miracle of a great catch of fish and connected it with these fishermen being called by God to fish for souls -“From now on you will catch men” (Luke 5:10). When we apply this, we see that Jesus was showing us (His disciples) that we to should be winning others for God’s kingdom as well.

Jesus is telling us that great multitudes of people are going to be won by His sovereign power and authority when and where we least expect it. His strategy to make that happen is by commissioning His followers with His authority to teach the Word of God. When His disciples are obedient, humble themselves, and treasure Christ above all, multitudes of people will be caught for eternal kingdom blessings (salvation).