In this week’s story, Jesus will enable the fishermen to begin fishing for people. Luke 5:10b Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”[1] Scripture records this story in all three synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But each gives their unique take on the story.
Jesus’ Call
After the great catch of fish, Jesus extended an invitation to the fishermen. Both Mathew and Mark use similar wording. In the ESV translation: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”[2] In the NLT translation, the same verses say: Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”[3]
First, we want to note that the word “men” in the ESV version can mean both men and women, hence its translation as “people” in the NLT. Jesus wants His disciples to call all to faith, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
While Peter, Andrew, James, and John knew how to fish for fish, fishing for people may have sounded overwhelming. The Greek Word that is translated “make” in the ESV denotes the creative activity of God. It is often used with reference to God’s helping and redeeming activity.[4] We know Jesus came to redeem and restore what sin had stolen. As He called these men to be disciples, Jesus would enable them to fish for people. They will not be left on their own to figure it out.
God Helps Us Be Fishers of Men
Spiritual tasks are always beyond our human capabilities, but God promises to help us. Isaiah 50: 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. [5]
God sent the Holy Spirit to us after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Through this empowerment, we continue to be fishers of people. Ephesians 4:11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.[6]
God has given each of us gifts to use. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had a skill set for catching fish. Jesus would build on those skills to become useful as they fished for people. God will do the same for us as we determine to do His will. If you aren’t sure how this looks in your life, ask God and seek spiritual counsel as you go forward.
To learn how Jesus will make, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/calling-of-the-fishermen
[1,3,5,6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mt 4:19, Mk 1:17). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
[4] Braun, H. (1964–). ποιέω, ποίημα, ποίησις, ποιητής. In G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 464). Eerdmans.
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