Luke uses a word that can be translated captured alive in the call of Jesus to the fishermen. Luke 5: 10b Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”[1] While Matthew and Mark record Jesus telling the fishermen that He will make them fishers of people, Luke’s version is more vivid.
The Word that is translated “fishing” is a word that means “capture alive” or “capture for life.” It is a profound thought that Christian discipleship involves Jesus Christ capturing someone for life. Jesus called His disciples to have a vital part in this challenging enterprise.[2] This verb also denotes an ongoing process. It is not just for a season but continuous.[3]
Captured for Living
Satan seeks to destroy us through sin, but Jesus wants us to come into His Kingdom to live. John 10:9 Yes, I (Jesus) am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [4]
Jesus would train these fishermen and send them out to bring others into the Kingdom. Matthew 10: 5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions:… “7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received![5]
As followers of Jesus, we are to tell others of a better way than the world. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us as we pray for life and healing. Jesus can free believers from immorality, addiction, and lack of purpose into a new life.
Captured for Life
Jesus calls us to come into the Kingdom for our life here on earth and life eternally. We are eternal beings and will spend eternity somewhere. If we refuse to have a relationship with God here on earth, God honors that for eternity. John 3: 18 There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.[6]
But we have a promise of eternal life with Jesus as we trust Him in this life. 1 John 2: 24 So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. 25 And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. [7]
Jesus calls us into His Kingdom and restores us for abundant life here and eternal life forever. As we live in the kingdom, He wants us to fish for others so that they, too, can be captured alive. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/calling-of-the-fishermen
[1,4-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Trites, A. A., William J. Larkin. (2006). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 12: The Gospel of Luke and Acts (p. 90). Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] [3] Larson, B., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Luke (Vol. 26, p. 105). Thomas Nelson Inc.