Matthew 4:19

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Praise the Lord, my friend,

When I first read the above verse, I really couldn’t understand what Jesus meant by “fishers of men.”

I wasn’t a believer at that time, and it was my first book from the Bible, so I was wondering what Jesus was actually asking His disciples to do.

Then by the end of the Gospel according to Matthew, I thought it was about full-time ministry or preaching.

But now, when I read that verse again after getting a bit of understanding, I see something I didn’t understand back then.

You see, Jesus wasn’t simply asking His disciples to follow Him for themselves.

He was calling them to become part of His work of reaching others.

But notice that Jesus said, “I will make you fishers of men.”

He didn’t say they had to become that on their own.

And, I think that is important for us to remember, my friend.

It tells us that being a fisher of men does not mean that we have to know everything

Or have the perfect understanding of theology, or somehow have to change people’s hearts.

It means that we have to follow Jesus and allow Him to use our lives to make Him known to others around us.

And that can look different in each of our lives.

It can be through what we say, the way we live, or simply being willing to speak about what Jesus has done for us.

We don’t have to force anyone to believe nor have to carry the responsibility of changing their hearts because we simply can’t.

That part belongs to God.

Our part is to be faithful to the call of sharing the Word of God as Jesus has given us.

Paul had said this in Romans 10:14:

Romans 10:14

“How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

My friend, those words should make us think about how important it is not to keep the good news of Jesus to ourselves.

We have received something from Him we were never meant to hide.

Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men, and He calls us to share in that work too.

We may not all preach from a pulpit, travel to different places, or serve in full-time ministry, but we can all be faithful to Jesus wherever He has placed us.

And perhaps that is what being a fisher of men really looks like.

Following Jesus so closely that we are willing to be used by Him, trusting Him with the people we reach.

And remembering that the purpose is never to make ourselves known.

But it is to make Him known.

May His name be glorified. 🥰

Share with a Prayer:

We don’t know who needs this little reminder, but God does.

So, let us share it with a prayer, my friend.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

Thank You for calling us to follow Jesus and for giving us the privilege of sharing His love and truth with others.

We know that we cannot change anyone’s heart, but we trust that You can.

Father, help us be faithful with the opportunities You give us.

Give us the courage to speak about Jesus when we have the chance, and help our lives reflect Him in the way we treat others.

I also pray for my friend reading this right now.

If they feel unworthy, afraid, or unsure of what to say, please remind them that You are the One who makes us into fishers of men.

Give them the wisdom to know when to speak, the courage to speak with love, and the humility to leave the results in Your hands.

And as we share this post, please use it to remind someone of Your love and goodness.

Lord, bless the hands that have created the above creative and help them to utilize their talents for Your glory alone.

Help us follow You faithfully and make Your name known wherever You lead us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Specific prayer request

If you have any prayer requests, please hit reply and let me know. I would love to pray for you, my friend.

Would you prefer to share it anonymously? You can do it here.

Until tomorrow, my friend 😊
Prasad Mairale
Walk In Faith