boatloads

Once, Jesus, a carpenter, told some fisherman to throw their nets out into the Sea of Galilee. You can read the story in Luke 5. They catch so many fish that their two boats begin to sink! Then Jesus calls them to leave their nets behind, and follow Him.

What did they do with all that fish?

A rough estimate is that it would weigh about 63,000lbs which is something like 28 metric tonnes of fish! It would be worth several years’ wages.

Did they sell it to fund their ministry? Perhaps they gave it away, or just left the huge pile there to rot? They might even have thrown it all back in the sea! 

The point is that the Bible doesn’t tell us, because the miracle isn’t really the focus of the story. In fact, it never is - it’s always Jesus. Something made those men leave their nets behind, something changed their whole worldview that day, and something made them follow.

This is the best response to a miracle - follow Jesus. Never make it about the creation before you make it about the creator. When God gives us boatloads, it could be to bless someone, it could be a launching pad to provide for a new season, or it could just be a crowd-gatherer! Whatever it is, we’re to leave our nets behind every time, and simply follow Jesus.