Fisherment of Men

N. T. #28 "Fishermen of Men"

March 16, 2023 

Matthew 4-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

We set aside some time yesterday to visit a couple. He had cancer surgery and still had a feeding tube in his nose. How difficult is was for him to endure. Yet the doctor assured them that all the cancer was removed. Tomorrow, he get the tube out. Endurance is difficult, but we must encourage those who need it. Jesus knew there were needy people in the Galilee area, so He called men to leave their professions and follow Him. They would meet the spiritual needs after Jesus left them. come with me down by the Sea of Galilee and observe what happened there.

Down at the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, J. B. had two disciples there-Andrew and John (who became the Revelator). We find this in John 1:35, 37. John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. So. Andrew and John realized who Jesus was-the Messiah, the Christ. (John 1:41)

Matthew does not give the details as John does in the first chapter. Andrew went to his brother, Simon Peter, and told him they had found the Messiah. Andrew brought his brother to Jesus.

Then Jesus began calling His disciples. He went up to the Sea of Galilee where Jesus found Peter and Andrew fishing. Philip lived in the same city of Bethsaida as they did.

In Matthew 4:19, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. 

Of course, Jesus was referring to spiritually bringing people in the Kingdom of God. What was the reaction of Peter and Andrew? Immediately they left their nets and followed Jesus. Next, Jesus called James and John to follow Him. so they left their father, his ship and fishing nets to follow Jesus. (verses 21-22) They were brothers and the sons of Zebedee.

Have you heard the calling of Jesus to follow Him? 

LET IT GROW

I like how The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible describes those 4 men with 5 traits:

1. The men called by Christ were brothers who worked together.  They had good parents who taught them to love and care for one another. they came from a closely knit family. They followed and obeyed the teaching of their parents and maintained a brotherly spirit throughout life.
2. The men called by Christ were industrious workers. They were industrious, energetic, willing to worked hard.
3. The men called by Christ were called to immediately follow Him. Personal discipleship and attachment in learning about Christ is essential before serving Him. They only had 3 years.
4. The men called by Christ were called to another work. It was a different employment and profession, with a drastic change.
5. The men called by Christ were responsive. They immediately responded. It is a response for now, to get up now, and follow where Christ leads today. Sadly, may are called, but few are chosen.

Where is Jesus sending you and me today? Is there a need someone has that God wants us to meet? Are we willing to follow Him? Look where God is working and join Him-Blackaby says we will experience Him, then. What part does God want us to play in Kingdom work?

I don't want to miss out. What a blessing to follow Jesus! He is walking and talking with us as we go.

LET IT GO

May we be the Jesus someone needs today.

Share His love with those who need it.

Be encouragers.

Ain't nobody loved me like Jesus!