They Only Needed To Nod

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Jul 1983

The nod came from Peter and his fellow fisherman to those in the nearby boat, as they endeavoured to haul in the miraculous draught of fishes the Lord had produced for them. Their own efforts of the night had been fruitless (Luke 5:5-7). Beckoned is the word used in most translations, but the Greek word kataneuo means "to nod, to nod assent ... by inclining the head". The Greek word neuo means to give a nod, or signify by a nod, and kata means down. So we get an intensified meaning. Kataneuo, incidentally, is used just this once in the New Testament.

It could very well be that a sensitive relationship had so developed between these fishermen that a nod was recognized as a call for help, or a response to a need. This is indeed the case sometimes between people in hazardous occupations where a shout is not as appropriate as a nod or a signal. So the nod came from Peter who was unable to cope on his little ship with the tremendous collection of fish which was breaking the nets. These were not the massive dragnets which the modern trawler-men use, but the smaller round net, utilized also for bird catching. The second little ship responded, and there was such a harvest of fish that there was danger of the two ships sinking to the bottom of the lake.

Peter, James and John are described by Luke as partners (vv. 7, 10), and he uses two Greek words to indicate their very close association. The first is metochos (v.7) which is used for "fellows", as in connection with the Lord Jesus, "anointed...with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows" (Heb. 1:9). It also indicates "sharing with." The second word is koinonos (v. 10), speaking of fellowship, companions, communication, all of which are examples of the sharing process. It seems apparent that these disciples were so close to each other, and their communication so alert, that they only needed to nod, and a quick response followed. One is inclined to think of the lives of these men being so interwoven that their hearts, souls and emotions were very closely knit together - the same kind of bond which Jonathan and David knew in the knitting together of their souls (1 Sam. 18:1).

Circumstances can change people's attitudes and concerns. The word callous was early associated with the thickening and hardening of skin, but later it was used to reflect a person's emotional response resulting in the phrase, "he is thick skinned" or not easy to penetrate. There is a danger, of course, of this description applying to us as Christians, which would be most uncomplimentary. What we must show is the softness, the gentleness, the graciousness of Christ, which showed 'through so clearly despite what men did to Him. His compassion for the multitude, His tears for the family at Bethany, His concern for Martha, are typical of the loving characteristics which He manifested. Paul reflected His Master when he pleaded for Onesimus, shed tears night and day for the churches, and showed godly anxiety for the young man Timothy. There was no callousness with Paul, but rather a sensitivity which originates from above.

"They nodded to their partners" and received instant response. Is our Christian sensitivity for one another at this high level? Is it finely honed or is it blunt?

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Jul 1983
General