In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus issues a powerful call to His disciples in Matthew 4:19:

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

This invitation was not only for the disciples of that time but extends to all of us who believe in Him today and turn to Him for help. In this teaching, we will explore what it means to follow Jesus, how we can become “fishers of men,” and how to apply this in our lives.

1. Jesus’ Call: Follow Me

Jesus’ first step is always the invitation. He asks us to leave behind our old lives and follow Him. This following is not merely about physical presence but involves the total dedication of our hearts and minds.

But what does Scripture tell us about this?

Matthew 16:24 – “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

Following assumes that we hear Jesus’ voice and obey Him. It is an active decision that changes the direction of our lives.

2. Jesus’ Work in Us: Making Us Fishers of Men

When Jesus says He will make us fishers of men, He promises to enable us to lead others to Him. We become capable of this task not by our own strength but through His power.

The Bible presents our Heavenly Father’s words as follows:

Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.  “

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Jesus does not leave us alone in the mission. He shapes and teaches us to serve others effectively.

3. The Power and Guidance of the Holy Spirit

To become fishers of men, we need the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us courage, wisdom, and words for our testimony.

Scriptural foundations:

Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

The Holy Spirit is our indispensable companion in service. He helps us understand God’s will and fulfill our mission.

4. Proclaiming the Gospel as a Mission

Becoming fishers of men means participating in proclaiming the gospel and spreading God’s kingdom. This mission is the responsibility and privilege of every believer.

Scriptural foundations:

Matthew 28:19-20 – “19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

  20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen..”

2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Proclaiming the gospel is not just the task of pastors or evangelists but of every believer who has experienced God’s grace.

5. Overcoming Challenges

In service, we may face many challenges: fear, rejection, indifference. However, it’s important to remember that we are not alone, and through the power of our Heavenly Father, we can overcome any obstacle.

Scriptural foundations:

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Philippians 4:13 – ” I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Our Heavenly Father’s promises assure us that we are capable of fulfilling the task entrusted to us.

Conclusion

Jesus’ call still resonates today: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Are we ready to hear and obey this call? If so, we can expect Jesus Himself to teach and guide us to lead others to Him. Let us be courageous, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, and bear witness to God’s love in the world—even by sharing this message with those we know.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus’ call and promise. We ask You to shape us into fishers of men. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the gospel with courage and love. Help us, as we follow Jesus, to lead others to You. Amen.