Fishers of Men – A Call for Today

When Jesus first called His disciples, He didn’t approach scholars, leaders, or politicians. He went to fishermen on the shores of Galilee and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19).'

Fishing is hard work. It takes patience, persistence, and resilience when the nets come back empty. But Jesus transformed this everyday task into a picture of the Christian mission: to share the gospel and bring people into the Kingdom of God.

The Call of the Disciples

The gospels tell the same story from different perspectives. In John 1, Andrew meets Jesus and brings his brother Peter to Him. Later, when Jesus steps into Peter’s boat, He is not a stranger but someone they already know. That’s why Peter, Andrew, James, and John responded so quickly when He called them to leave their nets.

In ancient Israel, disciples normally chose their rabbi. But Jesus turned that around: He chose them. And when they were called, they left behind everything to follow Him.

Jesus chose His disciples.

Lessons from the Nets

Fishing gives us rich lessons for the Christian life. Fishermen would catch all kinds of things in their nets — good fish, bad fish, and even rubbish. In the same way, when we share the gospel, some people will respond with faith, others with rejection, and still others with ridicule. Our task is not to control the results, but simply to cast the net again and again.

Nets also tore and needed repairing. In the same way, we too need times of restoration, prayer, and encouragement so that we can keep casting without giving up.

Our Mission Today

Think of it like a sales company. If you told your boss, “I brought in one customer six months ago,” he would not be impressed. In sales, you are expected to keep reaching out. Spiritually, Jesus does not hand us a monthly quota, but His command is clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Winning souls is not a side project — it is our primary mission.

Winning souls is not a side project — it is our primary mission.

Proverbs 11:30 reminds us: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Each time a person turns to Christ, they die to their old life and rise to new life — just as a fish dies when taken from the water, but a soul finds true life in Christ.

A Modern Example – Charlie Kirk

On September 21, 2025, nearly 90,000 people gathered in Arizona to honour the life of Charlie Kirk, in one of the largest memorials ever held for a private citizen. The service included worship, testimonies, and tributes from family, pastors, and national leaders.

Charlie’s wife Erika gave a powerful witness of forgiveness, even toward her husband’s alleged killer. Many described the gathering as a spark of revival, especially among young Christians moved by Charlie’s example.

Source: Flickr

He was remembered not only as a bold leader but as a fisher of men — someone who tirelessly cast the net of the gospel and helped thousands, particularly young people, take steps toward following Jesus. His life shows us that success in God’s Kingdom is not measured by possessions or status, but by the souls we touch for Christ.

Closing Challenge

Jesus is still calling us to be fishers of men today. Who is one person you can pray for this week? One person you can reach out to with love, kindness, or even a simple conversation about faith?

Like Peter, who cast his net on the day of Pentecost and saw 3,000 people come to Christ, we too can be part of God’s great harvest if we obey His call. Let us cast again, mend when needed, and never give up. For Jesus is worthy — and the world still needs Him.

The call to follow Jesus is still ringing today. Will you take up your net, cast it again, and join Him in becoming a fisher of men?