Fishers of Men

“And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Have you ever wondered why Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John fishers of men? It could be because Peter, Andrew, James, and John were professional fishermen. It could be a metaphor. Just as fishermen catch fish, the disciples would now “catch” people—bringing them into the Kingdom of God through preaching, teaching, and making disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). I believe all three explanations are correct. However, there is an Old Testament connection.

In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet writes, “Behold, I am going to send for many fishermen,” declares Yahweh, “and they will fish for them; and afterwards I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill and from the crevices of the rocks.”  (Jer. 16:16) This verse has a two-fold meaning. One of judgment and the other they will be gathered to God by His grace. That same message applies to our world today.

When Jesus called Simon Peter and Andrew, He didn’t give them a lecture or a theological test. He simply said, “Follow Me.”  That call came with a promise: He would make them fishers of men. In other words, He would transform their purpose. Jesus didn’t just invite them to be believers. He called them to be active participants in His mission. These men were ordinary fishermen, but Jesus saw in them something extraordinary. He saw instruments of God’s kingdom—people who would draw others into the net of God’s    grace.

What say you, Christian? Like those first disciples, you don’t need special qualifications—just a willing heart and obedient feet. Jesus doesn’t say, “Make yourselves fishers of men.”  He says, “I will make you.” It’s His work in us that equips us to reach others.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark