Musing – What Does It Mean to Be “Fishers of Men”?

Hebraic Musing – What Does It Mean to Be “Fishers of Men”?

What might Jesus have been thinking when He told Peter, and us, to be “Fishers of Men” in Matt 4:19?  In red letters Jesus said "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Was Jesus referring to the variety of fish to pursue?  Different species – fast or slow swimmers?  Bottom or top feeders?  

Where should we find the catch of the day?  In lakes, rivers, streams, among reeds or in ponds?  I’ve even traveled to lakes in Canada and to Gulf of Florida to catch big ones!

Should we use a boat or cast from shore?  In my fishing days, while we were waiting to launch the boat we’d be casting from the shore or from the dock or fishing under the dock.  We tried everywhere.  We never knew where we might get lucky!

Did Jesus provide us fishermen with different baits and/or lures?  Some varieties of fish require specific baits?  Live bait, worms, smaller fish, etc.   Special baits are used for the cautious fish; you know, the ones who’ve been caught once and are now more wary.  A famous fisherman named Paul once said “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”  1 Cor. 9:22

Fishermen learn to be patient; not expecting instant results.  But a good fisherman will move on if he doesn’t get at least nibbles.  Nibbles are good; the fish are showing interest! 

Fishermen know that not all fish are catchable, but we keep trying patiently!

What techniques do we use?  Casting, net, trolling, bottom fishing…?  (Analogies have limits.  When evangelizing, remember that God loves even the “Bottom-feeders.”)

We “Fishers of Men” have a big advantage; we have the best fishing guide!  The Holy Spirit tells us how, what, where, when and why to fish!!!  And He constantly reminds me to “Be Alert.”

And after catching fish, the fisherman needs to clean them.  BTW – You can’t clean them before catching them!  And a friend recently reminded me that “sometimes it gets messy”.

Points to ponder

Do the above fishing techniques also apply to evangelism?

If we have to “Go into all of the world” to fish,
will we be looking for and finding fish
 with different characteristics, backgrounds, experiences, flavors? 

Have a good fishing trip.  Hope you fill up your ice chest.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December 11, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”