Get in the Game: Family Devotional

Family Devotional: The Ones Who Didn’t Make the Cut

Luke 5:1–11

Day 1: Jesus Chooses the Ones Others Overlook

Scripture:

Luke 5:4–5 (CSB)

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.”

Devotional Thought:

In Jesus’ day, every Jewish child started school in the House of the Book (Bet Sefer) where they learned and memorized the Torah. Only the best students moved on to the House of Learning (Bet Talmud) and then the House of Study (Bet Midrash). Most kids didn’t make it that far—they went back to work with their families.

That’s why fishermen like Peter, James, and John were back at the lake—they didn’t make the cut. But when Jesus chose His disciples, He didn’t go to the top of the class—He went to the end of the line. Jesus sees potential in people the world overlooks.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think Jesus chose fishermen instead of top students?

Have you ever felt overlooked or “not good enough”?

How does it make you feel knowing Jesus still chooses you?

Family Prayer:

Jesus, thank You that You don’t just choose the smartest or the strongest. Thank You for choosing us. Help us trust that You see value and purpose in each of us. Amen.

Day 2: Faith vs. Logic

Scripture:

Luke 5:6–7 (CSB)

When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Devotional Thought:

Peter was a professional fisherman. He knew the best time to fish was at night in shallow water. So when Jesus told him to try again in the middle of the day in deep water, it made no sense. Logic said, “This won’t work.” But faith said, “If You say so.”

When Peter obeyed, even when it didn’t make sense, the result was overwhelming—so many fish that the nets started breaking. Sometimes following Jesus means choosing faith over logic. It means trusting His Word even when we can’t see how it will work out.

Discussion Questions:

What’s the difference between faith and logic?

Can you think of a time when God asked you to do something that didn’t make sense at first?

Why do you think obedience to Jesus always brings blessing?

Family Prayer:

Lord, give us the kind of faith Peter had—the kind that obeys even when it doesn’t make sense. Help us to trust Your word over our own wisdom. Amen.

Day 3: From Fishermen to Fishers of People

Scripture:

Luke 5:10–11 (CSB)

“Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.

Devotional Thought:

Jesus didn’t just fill their boats with fish—He gave them a new purpose. From now on, they wouldn’t just catch fish; they would catch people. That means their new mission was to share the good news of Jesus and bring others into His kingdom.

When Jesus calls, He doesn’t just invite us to believe in Him—He expects us to follow Him. That means using our time, gifts, and everyday life to help others know Him too. Discipleship doesn’t delay—it obeys.

Discussion Questions:

What do you think it means to be a “fisher of people”?

Who in your life might Jesus want you to share His love with?

What do you think it cost the disciples to leave everything and follow Jesus?

Family Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You. Help us not just believe but obey. Use us to share Your love with others so more people can come to know You. Amen.