“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
Today: Read Matthew 4
Let’s begin by defining the word “church.” Often we think of the church as a location. We say, “I’m going to church today.” By this, we are usually referring to a worship service or group meeting that is taking place inside a building. Others think of the church as a specific denomination. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of expression, however it fails to really define the church. Truthfully, the church is not a location or building, rather the church consists of people. And it is not limited to any particular denomination. The church is all born again believers and followers of Jesus Christ worldwide.
Our passage today demonstrates where it all began. Jesus took some ordinary fisherman and extended an invitation for them to leave their profession and to go on an eternal mission with Him. Jesus used language that they could understand by declaring that, figuratively, they would still be fishing, but now the object of their pursuit would be human souls. So what does this mean for us today?
First, we need to acknowledge that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). This is the very basis for understanding the mission of the church. This is the “why” behind what we do. Jesus is Savior. He is Lord. And He gives the church (all believers) the authority to go “fishing.”
Secondly, we need to understand our mission. We are to preach the gospel (the good news) to all creation (Mark 16:15). Every person that we come in contact with should have the opportunity to hear that they can be saved. When an individual does accept this good news and is saved, it is our responsibility to guide them toward baptism (their outward testimony that they now belong to Jesus) and then teach them so that they can grow spiritually (Matthew 28:19-20). For the believer, salvation is truly the starting line, not the finish. As Christians, we are in process and the teaching ministry of the church is a vital piece of accomplishing all that God wants for us as we grow up and mature in our walk with Christ.
Lastly, we need to approach people, not with judgmental attitudes (Luke 6:37), rather we should share what Christ has done for them with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). I think the analogy of fishing is important here. In the 21st century world, at least in North America, the idea of fishing is often thought of as using bait and a hook. Also, it is usually thought of as “man against fish.” I believe it would be more helpful if the church would use the 1st century fishing model of using nets, rather than hooks. The church is not here to use some kind of bait or lure to attract people, then drawing them close, wham, we insert the hook! The other misrepresentation that can arise from the bait and hook analogy is that somehow the sharing of one’s faith is reduced to “Christian against non-believer.” I believe too many people feel that they somehow have to come up with an answer for every objection thrown their way, rather than just respectfully speaking truth into people’s lives as often as they have opportunity. This might also be one of the reasons some Christians duck out of sharing their faith with others. I don’t believe this accurately describes the sharing of good news. The mission of the church is more like casting out a net, pulling it into the boat, and then repeating the process. Jesus is the Light of the world and He has equipped us, giving the church the highest mission on earth, to share the good news with the whole world. So grab your nets and happy fishing!
“I (Jesus) am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12
“You (the church) are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14,16
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