(a) Discuss the circumstances that led to Jesus saying "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men (b) Enumerate three factors that prevent peopl...

Answer Details

(a) The circumstances that led to Jesus saying, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men" (Luke 5:1-11).

1. As Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, the crowd pressed upon Him to hear the word of God.
2. He saw two boats standing by the lake, for the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
3. Jesus got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon Peter, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He then sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
4. When He had finished speaking, He told Simon to put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch.
5. Simon answered that they had toiled all night and caught nothing, but at Jesus' word he would let down the nets.
6. When they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish, so many that their nets began to break.
7. They signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help; both boats were filled so full that they began to sink.
8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord," for he and all with him were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners, were also amazed.
9. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

(b) Three factors that prevent people from becoming committed Christians.

1. Love of worldly pleasures and materialism: the pursuit of wealth, comfort and sensual pleasure draws people away from wholehearted devotion.
2. Fear of persecution and ridicule: some fear rejection, mockery or suffering from family, friends or society.
3. Ignorance of the word of God: lack of proper knowledge of the Scriptures leaves people without a firm foundation for commitment.
4. Bad company and ungodly influence: associating with people of low morals weakens one's resolve to follow Christ.
5. Doubt and weak faith: unbelief and half-heartedness prevent people from surrendering fully to God.