The Lord   Jesus makes Fishers of men

I say “makes” not made. Yes he called and transformed and commissioned the first 12 disciples. He is still calling, transforming and sending the present day disciples all over the world in His Church. 

Jesus is still looking for men to make Fishers of men. Are you the next? 

Read attentively and prayerfully. 

“From catching fish to fishers of men” is a metaphorical phrase that signifies a profound shift in purpose and calling. It’s rooted in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically in the gospels. 

Matthew 4:19 KJV

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

 Mark 1:17 KJV

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Luke 5:1-11 KJV

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, [2] And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. [3] And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. [4] Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. [5] And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. [6] And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. [7] And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. [8] When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. [9] For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: [10] And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. [11] And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:

 * Catching Fish: This refers to the literal occupation of fishermen, which many of Jesus’s first disciples (like Peter, Andrew, James, and John) were. It represents their earthly livelihood, their daily grind, and their focus on tangible, physical gains.

 * Catching Souls (or “Fishers of Men”): This is the new, spiritual calling Jesus gave to his disciples. It means:

   * Evangelism and Discipleship: Spreading the “Good News” (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ to others, bringing them to faith, and guiding them in their spiritual journey.

   * Transformation of Purpose: A shift from focusing on material gain and earthly pursuits to dedicating one’s life to spiritual work and the salvation of others.

   * Divine Commission: It implies that this new mission is not something they do on their own strength, but through the power and guidance of God. Just as a fisherman uses specific techniques and tools to catch fish, “fishers of men” are called to use spiritual means (prayer, sharing the Word, living out their faith) to bring people to God.

Essentially, the phrase represents a call to a higher purpose, a spiritual mission, and a life dedicated to impacting the eternal destiny of others rather than just focusing on temporary, worldly gains.

Conclusion :

    1. Has the Lord Jesus talked to you about fishing for men’s  souls?

    2.What do you need to give up in order to be available to the Lord’s great commission? 

    3.What first step like Peter do you need to take in the direction of faith in the Lord’s calling? 

    4.What discipleship training do you need to further prepare for the Lord’s work to win souls. 

Matthew 28:19 KJV

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mark 16:15 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 24:46-48 KJV

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things.

John 20:21 KJV

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Acts 1:8 KJV

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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Missionary Tom Needham quoted Matthey Henry :

Proverbs 11:30 KJV

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

Matthew Henry:

This shows what great blessings good men are, especially those that are eminently wise, to the places where they live, and therefore how much to be valued.

1. The righteous are as trees of life; the fruits of their piety and charity, their instructions, reproofs, examples, and prayers, their interest in heaven, and their influence upon earth, are like the fruits of that tree, precious and useful, contributing to the support and nourishment of the spiritual life in many; they are the ornaments of paradise, God’s church on earth, for whose sake it stands.

2. The wise are something more; they are as trees of knowledge, not forbidden, but commanded knowledge. He that is wise, by communicating his wisdom, wins souls, wins upon them to bring them in love with God and holiness, and so wins them over into the interests of God’s kingdom among men. The wise are said to turn many to righteousness, and that is the same with winning souls here, Dan. 12:3. Abraham’s proselytes are called the souls that he had gotten, Gen. 12:5. Those that would win souls have need of wisdom to know how to deal with them; and those that do win souls show that they are wise.