Depart from Me; for I Am a Sinful Man, O Lord (Luke 5:8)

2024-03-21

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. (Luke 5:8)

Peter had just heard the preaching of Jesus, and after an unsuccessful night of fishing, the future apostle was reluctant to try again at the Lord’s word. However, when he saw the multitude of fish, Peter knew this was a work of God.

Simon’s response was like what many would do if they saw God. “For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground” (Judges 13:20).

To come to Jesus, recognizing both who He is and who you are, is great humility, fear, and gratitude.