Read: Luke 5:1-11
And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” (v. 10)
One of the first Sunday school songs I learned as a child was Harry D. Clarke’s “Fishers of Men.” The song’s first verse mirrors the words of Jesus to Simon Peter in today’s Scripture passage: “I will make you fishers of men, / If you follow me.”
I find there are two amazing parts about today’s portion of Luke 5. Not only did Jesus promise to transform Simon, James, and his brother John from fishermen to fishers of men, but all three immediately agreed to this substantial life change and followed him! While many of us consider changing jobs and some of us do multiple times in our careers, I would dare say very few people make such a drastic shift as Simon, James, and John did.
So what compelled these three to become the first disciples? Jesus. They had just witnessed his compassion, heard his teaching, and experienced the catch of their lives with his guidance. Jesus had proven himself to them in short order, and they were all in. If we read further in the Gospels, we learn that their willingness to drop their nets meant their inclusion in the greatest story of all time.
Jesus is entirely that compelling, and he is willing to make us fishers of men, women, and children as well. What worldly safety net do you need to drop to more fully follow him? —Joy Petroelje
As you pray, ask God to give you the tools to help make disciples for him.
About the Author
Joy Petroelje is the director of a nonprofit human services organization. She and her husband Steve have three sons and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to family time and her work in nonprofit administration, Joy enjoys reading, writing, and running.
