The disciples’ job interview (Luke 5:1-11)
Let’s see how they measure up to Indeed.com’s suggestions.
To receive these posts by email each Monday, sign up.
For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
A job interview can be a high-stress situation. Our Gospel text introduces us to several of the future disciples, and we get to observe their interview with Jesus.
The job site Indeed.com offers some common-sense suggestions for making a good impression. Let’s see how the disciples measure up.
Research your employer. Peter and his fishing cohort appear to have done their research and are familiar with Jesus’ work. They have been listening to his preaching beside the Sea of Galilee as they wash their nets on the shore. Although they know that Jesus is not accomplished in fishing, they trust his inherent wisdom and authority and follow his advice to drop their nets in deeper water.
Be prepared with examples of your previous work. The disciples readily admit their lack of catching fish the previous night. A failure is perhaps not the kind of job experience most people would like to share, but their honesty creates space for Jesus to work. Their failure in fishing exposes their potential as ministry apprentices.
Use the STAR method when responding to questions: situation, task, action, result. Peter appears to be acquainted with this method based on how he responds to Jesus’ request that they let out their nets in deep water. He says, “We have been fishing all night [situation], we have caught no fish [task], but we will put out in deep water if you say so [action].” They then proceed to catch so many fish that their nets are breaking [result].
In Jesus’ Sea of Galilee home office, Peter and his fishing cohort converse with Jesus. They learn that the only experience necessary for the job as disciple is their trust in Jesus. They will become fishers of people, an occupation they never knew existed. They resign from their fishing gig and begin a new vocational journey as followers of Jesus.
As we ponder our own lives of discipleship, we may resonate with Simon in questioning our ability to follow Christ and serve. Our previous work and life experience may not fully prepare us for the challenges that discipleship can hold. Let us take heart that Christ is with us, as Jesus was with the disciples. He will equip us with what we need. The disciples’ successful interview shows us that to Jesus, ability is not as important as availability.
