Now it happened, while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats stood by the lake, but the fishermen had left the boats and were washing their nets. He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we worked all night and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.” When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. They beckoned their partners in the other boat to come and help them. As they came and filled both boats, they began to sink. But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” For he was amazed, and all those who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; and so were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon.

Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.”