The Expert Was Wrong

By Reverend Michael Farias

A subject-matter expert, or SME, is a person who is an authority in a particular area or topic.   It could be argued that Simon Peter, from the Bible, was an SME.

Peter’s area of expertise was fishing.  He was not a weekend warrior who fished as a hobby.  He fished as a professional, commercial fisherman for his living.  We know that he was from a fishing town and was likely in the fishing business with his brother Andrew.  In fact, the day Jesus happened upon them, and called them to follow him, they were at work, casting their net into the sea (Matthew 4:18).

When we become experts in an area of life, it becomes very difficult for us to take instruction from someone in that area.  We will question the credentials of the one instructing us, and may even reject their opinion.  It makes sense for us to do this.  After all, who knows better than me?  I’m the expert.

It is very interesting to see how our friend Simon Peter reacted when someone told him how to go about his business - and that someone was Jesus.

The long day of fishing was over, and the guys were washing out their nets when Jesus hopped into the boat.  They pushed out a little from the beach as Jesus taught the people who had gathered on shore.

When He (Jesus) had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 NKJV

It seems like a harmless enough suggestion, but they had just gotten done washing their nets.  The tools of the trade were all picked up, and it was quitting time.  

But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing.”  Luke 5:5a NKJV

Here we see the SME taking a stand.  Simon Peter explains to Jesus that they have spent the whole night fishing, and there are absolutely no fish to be caught. But the SME reconsiders.  

“Nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5b NKJV

There is another subtle hint here that might give us a glimpse into Peter’s attitude.  Jesus said, “let down your nets,” plural.  Peter said, “I will let down the net,” singular.

It doesn’t matter what level of authority we have over our lives or how expertly we do life, there is a greater authority.  That authority is the Word of God.  It is Jesus.  Though it didn’t seem to make good business sense to go out again, Peter did it anyhow.  It was not done randomly or strategically, but simply at Jesus’ word.

It’s so important to know the Bible and to know what Jesus is saying.  What directive is he giving you?  Whatever it is, do it, and expect amazing results.  Look at what happened.  

And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish.  Luke 5:6a NKJV

For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken.  Luke 8:9 NKJV

There is more to this story, but I think the message is loud and clear.  Jesus is always the real Subject Matter Expert.