Fishing for People

Just like the disciples, Jesus invites each of us to be “fishers of men.” We are called to share with others more about Jesus and what He has done in our lives.

Jesus had moved on from his hometown of Nazareth and onto Capernum, which would be a central location for His ministry throughout Galilee. He probably had left Nazareth to avoid the persecution and rejection from those closest to Him.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, Old Testament prophets like Isaiah were quoted to show a direct link. Jesus was, in fact, the Messiah fulfilling prophecies.

Similar to John the Baptist, Jesus began His ministry by uttering the same word John preached, “Repent.” This act of identifying and turning from old ways to embrace the Good News of Jesus remains true today.

Jesus, as fully God and fully human, was the embodiment of making God relatable and applicable to the Jewish people and Gentiles. In this passage, Jesus calls four disciples to join Him in sharing the Gospel.

These four men were fishermen, so Jesus applied the familiar concept of fishing to His calling on their lives. These four would fish for men by inviting others to follow Jesus.

Jesus had already visited with Peter and Andrew (John 1:35-42), and He had been preaching in the area. While Jesus’ invitations in this passage were met with quick responses, God had been prompting the disciples for their important calling.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus spent His time teaching (relating to people and imparting wisdom), preaching (inviting people into relationship), and healing (meeting needs and validating that Jesus was God).

When we follow Jesus with our whole hearts, we cannot help but tell others about Him. While we cannot, and should not, force Jesus on others, our excitement, our joy, our faith can be a contagious magnet drawing our friends and family to Him.

An Expert Guide

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1:9, The Message)

I have a new-found hobby in hiking. My patient friend has taught me quite a bit along the way. From gear recommendations to the best trails, she has freely given advice. As an experienced hiker, she often hikes by herself and has many stories of encountering wildlife, including a bear, on the trail.

She told me of an app, a global database of hiking trails. While using this app, you can hike confidently by yourself. The app lets you know when you’re off the trail, estimates your time, and confirms your destination.

Sometimes God’s calling on our lives can feel like a sending off or an excursion of charting new territory. Though that’s not the case at all, because He is with us every step of the way. Billy Graham said, “The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”

I’m so glad that God is with me–every step I take. He’s so much better than an app of global hiking trails. As I follow His calling on my life, He directs my steps. He places people in my path. He provides just what I need along the way.

As I navigate each day, I want to listen to His prompting. He wants me to share my story–my experience with Him–with friends, family, co- workers, and the children in my life. I’m glad I’m not alone. He is more than able and willing to be my expert guide.

Dear God, thank You for being my expert guide. I’m so thankful that Your calling on my life is to follow You closely and to not go off in one direction by myself. Please help me sense Your constant presence in my life today. In Jesus’ name, amen.