Called to Be Fishers of Men: What Jesus Taught About Reaching Others

“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’”

Matthew 4:18-19

Dear Friends,

Have you ever noticed how after a rainstorm you find a lot of worms strewn over the road? The other morning, after a late night storm, I went for a walk and was amazed to see numerous earthworms wriggling along our lane. I started counting them but stopped when I reached one hundred. If I were a fisherman, this vast supply of worms would keep me supplied with bait for a long time.

Jesus Calls His Disciples to be Fishers of Men

As I thought about the sport of fishing, I recalled Jesus’ original followers. Many of His twelve disciples were fishermen by trade. But Jesus called them to a different type of fishing. As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee one day He called Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. As the four continued along the beach, they met two other brothers, James and John, whom Jesus also called to join His new type of fishing expedition.

These men, along with others, followed Jesus throughout Galilee as He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and healed every kind of disease and sickness among the people. Ministering to physical needs opened doors to capture hearts and heal spiritual needs as well.

The original twelve disciples were not the only followers to be called into the business of fishing for men. We, also, are tasked with reaching people with the gospel and making disciples.

Be Alert to People’s Needs and Point Them to Jesus

Our recent rainstorm and the multitude of worms on the road reminded me that stormy weather, often good for lake fishing, can also be good for engaging people. When someone experiences a difficult life situation, they are often more open to God’s message. Trials that churn up their comfortable lives also drive them to search for answers. We must be ready to respond.

Just as Jesus ministered to the physical needs of the people He met, we must be alert to the physical and emotional needs of those we meet. A kind word or helping hand may be just what’s needed to draw a hurting person into a conversation where we introduce them to Jesus. As we pray for guidance and reach out in faith, God will teach us how to be successful fishers of men. It is what He has called us to do!

Bringing People to Jesus – An Incredible Calling

I haven’t had much opportunity to enjoy the sport of angling, although I did catch a couple of small trout at summer camp when I was a young girl. I don’t relish baiting a hook with a wriggly worm, but I am grateful for the opportunity to be a fisher of men. I can’t think of a higher and more exciting calling than bringing people to Jesus. Knowing Him provides forgiveness from sins, freedom from shame, and the promise of eternal life. That is an incredible catch!

What about you? Are you struggling through life and looking for answers? Then come to Jesus and let Him capture your heart. If you already belong to Jesus, will you, like the disciples, answer His call to become a fisher of men? There’s a whole lot of fish out there just waiting to be caught.

Love,

Mama

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