Fishers of Men

Matthew 4:19 KJVS

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

Christ called the disciples and told them he was going to make them “fishers of men”. But what does it mean to be a fisher of men? Well, take a moment to think of a fisher man. A fisher man is one who, as a profession, specializes in the technique of catching fish. Some fishermen may even specialize in certain types or species of fish. Although unlawful to eat, you have fishermen today that catch nothing but crabs for example. And make their living off of it as their “bread and butter.”

Luke 14:23 KJVS

[23] And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Being a fisher of men, instead of fish per say, can mean that you offer a particular skillset or knowledge to catch a particular kind of people. Remember, that not all fish eat or even like the same kind of bait. Although fish swim in many of the same areas and look similar, they can have very different taste. It is up to us as fisherman to become skilled to learn what bait catches what kind of fish. If I didn’t know any better I would think a whale as a large animal would eat some pretty big fish, however it is the opposite. Whales love to eat one of the smallest sea creatures alive.

Some may choose a specialty over a wide range. A wide range can make one versatile. However, a specialty can make one more efficient in their particular lane or area of focus. This is why you should want brothers and sisters to learn the proper understanding but their style is their style. Don’t try to convert them to teach things the way you would. As each of us come from different backgrounds and lifestyles that allow us to relate to certain groups of “fish” and can easily gain them having more in common with them. You vibe on a whole different level. Think of the Avengers is everyone like the Hulk? No, but it is the diversity of team members and the different gifts they bring that make them such a formidable force! Different is good. Again, think about cooking, or even eating. You like different seasonings or sauces and each has its purpose. I don’t care how much you love black pepper, sometimes you want some lemon pepper, or some garlic powder, onion powder, or cajun seasoning. And the list goes on. Although salt is common and versatile different flavors add just that flavor! And each serves its purpose to make the meals you make delightful and gives you joy to eat them. The word and the teachers of the word are no different. If you had three different teachers each teach the same class, you would get something different from each of them as each has a different style along with a few different scriptures or perspective they will bring out.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22 KJVS

[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. [20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Paul is sharing how he had to learn different bait to catch different fish. He had to learn how to approach different people in different situations in order to win them over. He tried not to have a cookie cutter approach. Which means he had to have a certain level of wisdom and skill to know how to talk to people what to say that might cause them to want to listen and possibly repent. Remember, that bait is the lure to catch the fish. If the lure is not attractive the fish won’t bite! It either has to look good or smell good. And the word is very similar. Don’t be afraid to dress it up. Yes, we have to teach the word but there is more than one way to execute. Maybe you may specialize in teaching young children, or older children. Maybe you want to specialize in reaching the elderly, or focus on young men or women. Maybe you really want to make content to compel more atheist to repent or just Catholics. Try to think outside the box and find out what bait you have in your arsenal.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 KJVS

[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The goal is always to do what we can to win people over even if they are adverse to the word. You never know who will and who won’t repent! Don’t look past someone simply because they are against what you are saying. They may come around at some point in time later. Not everyone come into this truth the same or believes right away. Some fish are hard to catch! Just continue to plant the seeds or water the seeds that have been planted and let the Most High give the increase as he sees fit. Our job and profession is to keep fishing in his name!

Hebrews 4:14 KJVS

[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.