Fishers of Men

“…Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”—Matthew 4:19b

In these powerful words we have the heart of Christianity. These ten words show how Jesus was planning to build His kingdom. When He spoke these words He had already begun His preaching ministry. The thrust of His message was, “Repent.” The kingdom of heaven was at hand because the King was talking to them.

How much easier and more joyful and successful our ministries would be if we built them around the powerful message of Matthew 4:19-22. I once read on the back of a t-shirt, “Work is for people who don’t know how to fish.” How much unnecessary work we create for ourselves when we don’t fish for men.

A man was trying to teach a little boy how to fish. Both were frustrated. The little boy said, “But I don’t wanna ‘fiss.'” When looking at fishing for men, we often become frustrated. We try a few casts on our own. No luck. We give up. Fishing for men is for those who have a gift for it. Then we put ourselves to work on something else, only to miss the joy of fishing for men.

Jesus said, “I will make you fishers of men.” Peter and Andrew were already fishermen. Even though Jesus knew more about fishing than they knew, He called them to a new kind of fishing. Jesus is not against fishing. I think He liked fishermen. After the resurrection, Peter said, “I go afishing.” There was nothing wrong with that. Once again Jesus appeared on the scene. Once again Jesus called the fishermen to Himself.

Now if you don’t like to “fish,” you don’t know what it is like to get the fishing bug. One summer afternoon I had a chance to go fly fishing. I didn’t have much time. I was in a hurry to get up the Naches River to some good holes. The closer I got, the faster I drove. Pretty soon I saw the “blue light special” in the mirror. The officer asked me, “What’s the big hurry?” and asked to see my license. “I don’t have any excuse. I’m just going fishing. That’s all I could think about. I wasn’t paying any attention to my speed.” The officer, with a slight grin on his face, handed me back my license. “Do me a favor, would you, and try and hold it down.” “Thank you, sir,” I responded. I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Lord, for an officer who knows how to fish.”

When Jesus calls us away from fishing, He calls us unto Himself. “Follow me,” is the call. The disciples had no idea of the thrills that awaited them when they left all and followed Him. More exciting than catching fish is catching men. They usually start out at 50-60 pounds and go up to 300 plus. Some of them put up quite a fight. Others almost jump in the boat. The bait is always the same. Jesus said it; “If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” When Jesus was lifted up on the cross He drew all men unto Him. Men school (gather) around the cross. The presentation of Christ, hanging on the cross, beaten and bruised and bleeding, dying for the sinner, is hard to pass up. One of the soldiers who helped crucify Jesus afterward declared, “Truly, this was the Son of God.” Jesus on the cross is the lure that shows God’s great love more than any other. How we present is all in the wrist. First, bend your right wrist the same angle as your left wrist. Then join your hands together and pray. Hold this position for a long time. Do it every day multiple times. Next, spread your hands apart, curling your fingers slightly, bend over and pick up your cross and follow Jesus. The best fishing is early in the morning. After Peter and some of the disciples fished all night they were ready for the lesson from the “Great Fisherman.”

Live near the cross. Don’t waste your time on other schemes and plans. Get the fishing bug. Catch a few. You will be hooked—forever. Remember, “Work is for people who don’t know how to fish.”