1 The people came close around Jesus to hear Gods word. He was standing by Lake Gennesaret the Sea of Galilee .
2 He saw two boats by the water. The fishermen were not in their boats. They were washing their nets.
3 Jesus got into one of the boats. It was Simons boat. Jesus asked him to put the boat out into the water a little way from the land. Then he sat down in the boat and taught the people.
4 When he stopped talking, he said to Simon, Put the boat out into deep water and let down your nets to catch some fish.
5 Simon answered, Master, we worked hard all night and did not catch anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.
6 When they did this, they caught many fish. Their nets were so full they were breaking.
7 They called their friends in the other boat to come and help them. They came. They filled both boats with so much fish, they began to go down.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he kneeled down in front of Jesus. He said, Lord, leave me because I am a bad man!
9 He was very much surprised to see how many fish they had caught. All those who were with him were surprised too.
10 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were helping Simon. They were surprised also. Jesus said to Simon, Do not fear. From now on your work will be to catch men.
11 They brought their boats to the land. Then they left everything and went with Jesus.