The lectionary has skipped from the story of the negative reaction by the religious leadership to Jesus' sermon reminding them of God's care for outsiders. After his escape in Nazareth, he traveled, healing and, despite the earlier negative reaction, preaching in synagogues.
Response was positive. Many people came out to see him.
So many people that he needed help in order to continue to carry out his work.
He asked Simon, (whose mother-in-law had been one of the persons he had healed) to take him out in the boat a little way from shore so he could speak to that crowd that had gathered.
One lesson--Jesus needs us to help him do his work.
After he had finished speaking, and they were still in the boat out in the lake, Jesus told Simon, "Take the boat out to the deep water so you can go back to fishing"
Peter said that he could and would move the boat but that the fish weren't biting that day.
Another lesson--even people who have witnessed miracles up close don't always believe that Jesus can help them with their current need.
Related lesson--even people who don't believe at a particular moment can still follow the commands of Jesus.
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