Gone Fishing

Mark 1:14–20 (NASB 95)

14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

Examine / Explain

After Jesus’s time of solitude, which included fasting for forty days in the desert, He came to Galilee. His cousin John was just taken into custody so Jesus came and began preaching the Gospel of God, the good news. During His preaching, we walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and found Simon, Andrew, James, and John. He told them “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of me.” They left their nets and became disciples of Jesus.

How do I apply this to my life?

One commentary stated that “Fishers of men” was not new. That philosophers and other teachers would “bait the hook” and “catch” disciples. Trying to step into the shoes of a vocational fisherman from that time period. Men who were courageous, patient, and full of stamina, tenacity, and faith. Then this rabbi comes along and offers to use their knowledge to catch other men. Being called to follow a rabbi was also super important to them. What went through their minds? To be wanted for something else. A calling for something “greater” in their lives. From a man who was very different in their culture. Teaching that far exceeds what they heard in synagogue before. Teachings of loving your enemy, talk of righteousness, and things to come. Now, stepping back into my own shoes. What kind of man am I? What is my calling and purpose? How am I sharing the gospel? What does Jesus see inside of me to give me the opportunity to spread the kingdom of God? What have I not left behind to answer His calling? Most of the disciples left their vocation to go and spread the word. I’m not sure I am being called to leave my vocation, but I’m sure there is something in this world that I am hanging on to that is stopping me from sharing the Good News. Is it fear of failure? Could it be a pride that keeps me from being vulnerable with strangers? A blindness to sin that is keeping me hindered in my walk?

What is my response?

Father, reveal the things that are in the way of me getting to You. Help me spread Your gospel. Allow me to fulfill Your calling on my life. Let me use my traits and abilities to the fullest and in such a way that only You can get the glory and praise. Do something extraordinary with my life. I must become uncomfortable to grow. I must be a good steward of the small things in my life so You can allow me to do bigger things. I am to work out my salvation. There is no eating without working. You are the bread of life. Grace and salvation are free, but it’s the process of growing that takes work. Help me value the things that are valuable to You. Help me fish. Amen.