Following the Lord and Achieving Our Divine Purposes
Image
Christ standing on a seashore. He is beckoning to two men who stand near Him. The two men are holding a fishing net over a small fire. Fishing boats and fishermen are visible in the background. The painting depicts Christ calling some of His Apostles or disciples.
When Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John miraculously caught “a great multitude of fishes” after the Savior invited them to “let down [their] nets” (Luke 5:4, 6), they received a glimpse of what they could accomplish with the Savior’s help. These fishermen then chose to leave everything to follow Jesus Christ. This lesson is intended to help you feel a desire to follow Jesus Christ so that He can help you accomplish far more than you could ever accomplish without Him.
Achieving a greater purpose
Take a minute to think of some people who achieved great things because God helped them understand their purpose.
1. Answer the following questions:
Why might it be important for someone to understand their greatest purpose?
What differences have you noticed in the lives of people who understand God’s purpose for them and those who do not?
This lesson will focus on how Jesus Christ helped Simon Peter (also known as Peter) discover that He had a greater purpose for him. As you study, look for evidence of the principle that when we choose to follow Jesus Christ, He can help us understand and achieve greater purpose for our lives.
Jesus Christ calls Simon Peter to follow Him
After the Savior had performed several miracles in Judea, including healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law (see Luke 4:38–39), He went to the shores of Lake Gennesaret (another name for the Sea of Galilee). He climbed aboard Simon Peter’s fishing boat and sat down to teach the large group of people on shore (see Luke 5:1–3). When Jesus finished teaching, He extended an invitation to Simon Peter.
Read Luke 5:4–11. As you read, try to imagine that you are Simon Peter, an experienced fisherman. It may be helpful to understand that the word draught means a catch or haul of fish (see verse 4, footnote a).
What are some details you feel are important in this account? Why?
What do you think Peter might have been thinking or feeling?
Take a moment to look for any evidence in this account of Jesus Christ helping Peter understand that the Lord had a greater purpose for him.
What might Peter have learned about himself from this experience with the Savior?
Why do you think the Lord wants to expand our vision of who we are and what we can do?
Likening Simon Peter’s experiences to ours
We can learn more deeply from this account by comparing Simon Peter’s experience to experiences we might have. This scripture study skill is what Nephi referred to in the Book of Mormon when he said he “did liken all scriptures unto [himself]” (1 Nephi 19:23). Likening the scriptures to our personal situations can help us be “more fully persuade[d] … to believe in the Lord [our] Redeemer” and can “be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23).Take a moment to compare your experience with Peter’s by doing the following:Divide a page in your study journal in half so that on one side you can list details about Peter’s experience and on the other side you can look at your own situation. If needed, turn to the scriptures and any available scripture tools (for example, see Bible Dictionary, “Peter,” and Guide to the Scriptures, “Peter,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help you answer the following questions.
Likening Peter’s Experiences to Our Own Lives
How might Peter have described himself before meeting Jesus?
How do I describe myself?
Peter was willing to follow Jesus Christ and give up his life working as a fisherman (see Luke 5:11). How do you imagine Peter’s life being different if he had not chosen to follow the Savior?
What might I be asked to give up to follow Jesus Christ?
How might my life be impacted if I chose to not follow Jesus Christ?
How did Peter fulfill the Lord’s greater purposes for him in his life?
Think about the scriptures, the plan of salvation, priesthood blessings, and, if applicable, your patriarchal blessing.
What do I know about the Lord’s greater purposes for me?
What questions do I have about my purpose?
2. In your study journal, answer three of the following questions:
How did likening the scriptures to yourself help you learn about or believe more in Jesus Christ?
What evidence did you find that we can achieve a greater purpose for our lives when we choose to follow Jesus Christ?
When have you observed someone being positively influenced by understanding their purpose?
What will you do because of what you felt or learned today?
Optional: Want to Learn More?
Luke 5:8. Why did Peter call himself “a sinful man”?
When Peter first met the Savior and witnessed His miraculous power, Peter recognized that he was “a sinful man” in great need of the Savior’s redeeming power (Luke 5:8). Peter’s words illustrate that as we draw near to God, we become aware of our sinfulness and unworthiness and desire His help in becoming more like Him.
Photograph of President Ezra Taft Benson. He is seated in a leather chair in front of a fireplace. His hands are clasped in front of him and he is wearing a large turquoise ring on one finger. Official portrait. 1986
[Those] who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.