Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” Luke 5:5 (CEB)
 
Siblings in Christ,
 
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 
 
I come to you with a simple yet transformative phrase that can shape our faith and practice: “Because Jesus said so.” These four words captured Simon Peter’s heart in Luke 5:5, leading to a miraculous catch of fish — and they can likewise transform our lives, our churches, and our communities.
 
When Peter, an experienced fisherman, had fished all night with no success, he found Jesus inviting him to go deeper and cast his nets again. Despite his doubts, Peter responded: “Because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” That single act of obedience revealed Jesus’ authority, love, and abundant provision. Today, that same invitation stands before us: Will we heed Christ’s voice in every sphere of our lives and ministries?
 
Below are key areas where Christ’s commandments call us to say, “Because You say so.”
 
1. “Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
 
We turn away from sin, confess where we have fallen short, and trust God’s grace. In a world of competing voices, we anchor ourselves in the good news of Christ’s saving love. It is Jesus alone who is our Lord and Savior. 
 
2. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Matthew 22:37)
 
True discipleship begins in wholehearted devotion. When we say “yes” to Jesus, we give God our ultimate allegiance and invite the presence, power, and provision of the Holy Spirit to shape every priority and purpose in our lives.
 
3. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
 
We are called to embody compassion, justice, and mercy for those we encounter — across the street or across the world. The Holy Spirit empowers us to see every person as beloved in God’s eyes. To those whom much is given, much is expected. 
 
4. Show mercy to the least of these: “I was hungry and you gave me food… I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)
 
The heart of the gospel moves us toward those who suffer — feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, and visiting the lonely or imprisoned. When we serve those most in need, we serve Jesus himself.
 
5. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)
 
Our calling is to be shaped more by the values of God’s kingdom — love, peace, and justice — than by the shifting pressures or politics of the world. May we let biblical mandates and Christ’s priorities set our agendas, personally and collectively.
 
6. Abide in Christ daily: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” (John 15:4)
 
Discipleship is not a one-time decision; it’s an ongoing relationship. In prayer, worship, and scripture, we draw sustaining life from Christ, bearing fruit for his glory. Engage in daily practices that center and anchor your faith. Make a commitment to grow in your faith.  
 
7. “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)
 
Our churches and ministries exist not only for ourselves, but to share the hope of Jesus with the world. We engage in evangelism and discipleship, raising up believers and building God’s kingdom/kin-dom on earth. (See the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 for a glimpse of God’s hope for the world.)
 
8. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
 
Within the body of Christ, we practice humility, service, and reconciliation — demonstrating to the world the transforming power of God’s love.
 
9. “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
 
After telling the parable of the Good Samaritan — a story about radical, boundary-crossing mercy — Jesus tells his listeners, “Go and do likewise.” Because Jesus said so, we commit ourselves to compassionate, sacrificial care for the wounded and marginalized in our society.
 
10. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
 
Jesus links our practice of mercy to God’s own merciful character. We are called to reflect God’s compassion in how we treat others. Because Jesus said so, we choose empathy over indifference and forgiveness over vengeance.
 
11. “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
 
In commissioning the disciples to heal and serve, Jesus reminds them that all they have is a gift from God. Because Jesus said so, we extend kindness, generosity, and advocacy to others without demanding payback or recognition, trusting God’s abundant grace to supply our needs.
 
12. I am leaving this one blank — and inviting you to fill it in....
 
Friends, in each of these commands, the key is not merely the action but the reason: because Jesus said so. We obey not out of compulsion or fear but out of devotion to the One who first loved us. Jesus’ words are trustworthy; his authority is absolute; and his desire for us is life abundant. By choosing to follow his commands, even when our nets feel empty and we cannot see the next step, we position ourselves to witness the miraculous catch — the inbreaking of God’s reign among us.
 
In this season, let us join Peter in responding with humble faith. Let us offer up our nets, our lives, and our ministries to the God who can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). May our unified confession in the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area be: “Yes, Lord — because You say so, we will go, serve, love, and abide in You.”
 
And may the witness of Christ’s church shine brightly as we answer his call in faithful obedience, proclaiming in word and deed the good news of Jesus — our Savior and Lord.
 
Grace and peace be with you all,

Bishop Lanette Plambeck 
Resident Bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area 
The United Methodist Church