Jesus Christ gave us this mandate before His ascension: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). This is an unchanging directive that the church ought to carry out until His return, and this week, we continue deepening our understanding of what it means to be a carrier of the message of the gospel; what it truly means to be a fisher of men.
Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This statement makes two things abundantly clear: the one who is called ought to make a decision to follow, and upon accepting this fate, it will be Jesus who then makes him into an effective vessel. It is not only a call to follow, but also a promise of transformation. The brothers immediately dropped everything and heeded the call (v.20), revealing to us the urgency that the Kingdom of God requires. Being a worker in God’s vineyard is not for complicated men with many entanglements and affections; but it is for those willing to lay it all down as if it meant nothing. Jesus Himself said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Only as the disciples walked with Jesus in obedience and surrender, did the journey of their transformation from unlearned men to those who made entire cities stand still begin.
The passage continues to outline the call of John and James, stating that the two were out fishing in a boat with their father. They too, left without hesitation (v.21-v.22), leaving behind not only their vocation, but their family as well – all which was previously familiar and even profitable to them. That should be the journey of all those in Christ, we have been made new, and our former ways of living and thinking must be laid down so that we truly walk in the newness of this life we have found.
Looking at the characteristics of fishermen as well as their strategy, we can derive a few lessons. Fishermen do not go out to sea unprepared, they carry all they will need for the quest ahead with determination to return home with spoils. They are patient, understanding that the catching of fish is not always a fast or easy exercise; it can sometimes take weeks. In the same breath, saints, our net is the gospel of Jesus Christ, as given to us through the Scriptures: the good news that we use to reach the masses. Our boat represents the church community we are planted in, we cannot catch fish and have no place to put them. Additionally, good fishermen have bait, an outward attractiveness used to draw the fish with the intention of eventually feeding them the gospel of Jesus. This bait can be our kindness, goodness, faithfulness, excellence, mercy, and genuine love. These virtues open a door for us to minister to open hearts, who have already been prepared by our acts of kindness, all to the glory of God. We have been given this wisdom, it is active in us through the Holy Spirit; make use of it!
It is also clear through the Scriptures that the call to win souls and make disciples for Jesus Christ is not only reserved for pastors or church leadership; but it is the responsibility of every believer. Ephesians 4:9-13 teaches us that when Jesus ascended, He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry. In Acts 8, this truth becomes even clearer. After the death of Stephen, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. The believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, but the apostles remained in Jerusalem. It was not the apostles who went out spreading the gospel. Instead, it was the ordinary believers, those who had been scattered, who went everywhere preaching the Word (v.4). That is you and me, no one is coming to substitute for us or absolve us! Saints, let us get to work! One must win one.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for entrusting us with this high calling. Shape us into faithful fishers of men, that our lives and words may draw others to You. Empower us to boldly share Your gospel and use us to win souls for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
