Session 5

What it means to be made new

From Luke: A 24-Day Devotional

New. This word sells everything from dish soap to identity. No wonder we miss the magnitude of its meaning. New isn't old plus something. "New" is not just "improved," "bigger," or "better." It is something we don't even have a grid for. It is unique — without comparison.

In Luke 5, Jesus wants us to understand the life He brings confounds all our expectations. Jesus shows Simon Peter, James, and John that success as fishermen wasn't about hard work or experience but was found in obeying His word to "let down the nets" (Luke 5:4). Even their idea of success itself is transformed, as the three bring in a catch so large it threatens to sink their boats! 

That's why they, and we, must follow Jesus once we've encountered Him. Without Jesus, we don't know what it even means to live in Him and for Him. The first disciples are told they will now learn to fish for men? Everything is new. Jesus warns that many will try to put this "new life" in old containers of thinking and understanding and expectation, but as God's one and only son, He will break out of them all.

In what part of your life are you failing to give up your own understanding and trust Jesus to teach you something completely new? If you don't, Jesus warns that you'll waste your "new life," and the old one won't hold up either.

Reflect:

• What is one old way of life Jesus is trying to break in you?
• What is one new thing Jesus is teaching you?
• Do you have someone in your life to hold you accountable for growing in your relationship with Jesus?