We’re keeping the “At The Movies” series going with an encouraging message from Pastor Jen DeWeerdt! This week, we’ll take a look into the inspiring underdog story of *The Boys in the Boat* and discover some powerful spiritual lessons along the way. Just like the 1936 rowing team beat the odds, we’ll see how Jesus calls ordinary people—like us—to trust Him in extraordinary ways. Through the story of Simon Peter’s miraculous catch of fish, we’re reminded that God often uses what we already have and invites us to step into the “deep waters” of faith, where the impossible becomes possible. Are you ready to trust Him and take that step?
Notes 📓✏️:
The Boys in the Boat – Pastor Jen DeWeerdt
Luke 5:1,2; “On one occasion, Jesus was preaching to a crowd on the shore of Lake Galilee. A vast multitude of people was pushing to get close to Jesus to hear the word of God. He noticed two fishing boats at the water’s edge, with the fishermen nearby, rinsing their nets.”
John 1:41, 42; “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).”
Luke 5:3; “Jesus climbed into the boat belonging to Simon Peter and asked him, “Let me use your boat. Push it off a short distance away from the shore so I can speak to the crowds.”
Let me use your boat.
Position – What you do.
Possessions – What you have.
Passion – What you love.
Luke 5:4,5; “When He had finished, He said to Peter, “Now row out to deep water to cast your nets and you will have a great catch.”
“Master,” Peter replied, “we’ve just come back from fishing all night and didn’t catch a thing. But if You insist, we’ll go out again and let down our nets because of Your word.”
The longer I walk this faith journey the more I realize it’s a FAITH journey.
Luke 5:6,7; “When they pulled up their nets, they were shocked to see a huge catch of fish, so much that their nets were ready to burst! They waved to their business partners in the other boat for help. They ended up completely filling both boats with fish until their boats began to sink!”
The product of your trust will become someone else’s benefit.
Luke 5:8, 10; “When Simon Peter saw this astonishing miracle, he knelt at Jesus’ feet and begged Him, “Go away from me, Master, for I am a sinful man!” Jesus answered, “Do not yield to your fear, Simon Peter. From now on you will catch men for salvation!”
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- What are some common characteristics of underdogs in both the movie ‘Boys In The Boat’ and the biblical story of Peter that relates to your own experiences?
- How do you think Jesus asking Peter to use his boat represents the way He wants to use out lives and resources today?
- What does the phrase ‘if you insist’ mean in the context of faith, and how can it be applied in making tough decisions?
- In Luke 5, Simon Peter initially hesitates to trust Jesus’ request after a long night of fishing. What does this teach us about trusting God, even when things seem impossible rather than retreating? Why do you think perseverance is crucial in our spiritual journeys?