3
Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
6
And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
7
A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8
When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.”
9
For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him.
10
His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”
11
And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
12
In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”
13
Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.