Preparatory Week - Thursday

Matthew 4.18-22

¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.

²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

As little kids we enjoyed singing some of the Sunday School songs.  We liked singing “I Will Make You Fishers of Men” because we got to do the motions like we were out casting with a rod and reel.  One of the boys seemed to be fly fishing.  A couple did not want to do big motions, so I think they say were trolling for trout instead of actively fishing.  It was more of an invitation to enjoy a hobby, not a life changing invitation.

And while this is also not what is going on, it might help us to look at the idea with the dangerous fishing shows, like “Deadliest Catch”.  Seeing people who make their living from fishing.  People who fish in dangerous waters and risk their life to bring in the fish.  These disciples were not off the coast of Alaska, but their fishing was no hobby and it was hard and dirty work.

These four are invited as fishers of men because Jesus is relating his call to what they already know and do.  It would be like hearing the call as being builders of people, farmers of people, or whatever vocation we do.  We are invited to take what we do and who we are to be our calling in following as well.  Following Jesus as a teacher, nurse, accountant, electrician, baker, or any other vocation we might have.

We won’t go back and change the song to “Bakers of People”, or “Bankers of People”.  But we will follow Jesus as he calls us to be his people in the ways he has called us in all of life.  Thinking today about how we take what we do with our lives as following and serving our God.

Blessing

Remember your baptism and be thankful.  You are disciples of Jesus Christ.  Live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us.  Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.  Amen.

Song – I Will Make You Fishers of Men