Fishers of Men
Jesus came into the world to accomplish the greatest mission ever attempted—the salvation of souls, and to establish the greatest kingdom ever established—the church. When we look at the men He chose to carry this message, the apostles, we see that one third of them were fishermen. Why would He have chosen fishermen to accomplish such a great mission?
We may not know all the reasons for the Lord’s choices, but there are some thoughts worthy of consideration. First, note that God’s plan did not depend on the wisdom of men. “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). Paul did not appeal to people through the “excellence of speech or of wisdom” but preached Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:1,2) Second, Christ wanted those who would build on Him, not those upon whom He could build. When He called Peter and Andrew, He said “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). Shortly thereafter, he called James and John who “immediately left the boat and their father, and followed Him” (Mt. 4:22). Christ wanted people who would leave all and become what He could make them.
Third, fishermen have patience. On one occasion, Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, but when Jesus said, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” Simon answered “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your Word I will let down the net” (Lk. 5:4,5). Fishermen know that you do not always catch fish, but that does not discourage trying again.
Fourth, fishermen learn to work together. James and John were “partners with Simon” (Lk. 5:10). (This is from the word ‘koinonos’ meaning partakers or joint participation—fellowship.) When one boat was filled “they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them” (Lk. 5:7). Those who are fishers of men should realize that they are working together, not in competition.
Fifth, the fishermen must separate the good from the bad. When the net has been thrown and good fish caught, there are usually “trash fish” that must be discarded. Any fisherman knows that “one fish is not as good as another.” By reading and experience they learn to discriminate. Sometimes they move to another area because of the results they are having. It may seem harsh, but sometimes it is necessary to “shake off the dust from your feet” (Mt. 10:14).
A fisherman is a hard worker and the work of fishing for men is hard work. Jesus chose men who would accomplish His purpose. Someone said that fishermen know not to believe everything they hear! Disciples of Jesus must be busy in the Lord’s work, but be able to discern between the Lord’s word and the stories devised in the hearts of men.
We may not know all the reasons for the Lord’s choices, but there are some thoughts worthy of consideration. First, note that God’s plan did not depend on the wisdom of men. “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). Paul did not appeal to people through the “excellence of speech or of wisdom” but preached Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:1,2) Second, Christ wanted those who would build on Him, not those upon whom He could build. When He called Peter and Andrew, He said “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). Shortly thereafter, he called James and John who “immediately left the boat and their father, and followed Him” (Mt. 4:22). Christ wanted people who would leave all and become what He could make them.
Third, fishermen have patience. On one occasion, Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, but when Jesus said, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” Simon answered “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your Word I will let down the net” (Lk. 5:4,5). Fishermen know that you do not always catch fish, but that does not discourage trying again.
Fourth, fishermen learn to work together. James and John were “partners with Simon” (Lk. 5:10). (This is from the word ‘koinonos’ meaning partakers or joint participation—fellowship.) When one boat was filled “they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them” (Lk. 5:7). Those who are fishers of men should realize that they are working together, not in competition.
Fifth, the fishermen must separate the good from the bad. When the net has been thrown and good fish caught, there are usually “trash fish” that must be discarded. Any fisherman knows that “one fish is not as good as another.” By reading and experience they learn to discriminate. Sometimes they move to another area because of the results they are having. It may seem harsh, but sometimes it is necessary to “shake off the dust from your feet” (Mt. 10:14).
A fisherman is a hard worker and the work of fishing for men is hard work. Jesus chose men who would accomplish His purpose. Someone said that fishermen know not to believe everything they hear! Disciples of Jesus must be busy in the Lord’s work, but be able to discern between the Lord’s word and the stories devised in the hearts of men.