Be a Fisher of Men

Be a Fisher of Men

“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matt. 4:19. Jesus was going to make them fishers of men. In other words, it was not something that He could tell them or ask them to do, and then they would be it; in that case there would have been many, many more of them in the world. He had to make them into fishers of men just as we are made into disciples. Matt. 28:19.

Among the religious masses of this world, there are many who think they are fishers of men. However, Jesus was never able to make them into fishers of men. They gather to their own assembly or denomination, living for themselves and being fishers of men according to their own ideas. They do not understand Jesus’ word, “Follow Me,” and as a result they cannot believe either. They believe in Jesus as the atoning sacrifice, preaching that man cannot do anything more because Jesus has done everything else for them; they also do not acknowledge their inner darkness and indwelling sin.

However, in God’s church, discipleship is preached according to Jesus’ command (Matt. 28:18), and in the church the Lord can speak about following Him and that He will make them fishers of men.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:5-8.

Preachers walk on a different way when they strive for honor, a reputation, words of praise, and recognition. Humbling themselves and renouncing all that imaginary prominence? Not at all! Unfortunately, they do not even want to consider that way and even less to walk on it.

However, in God’s church are those who follow Christ, and to them the Lord can speak. He also does that, that is, to all those who are faithful. Jesus was like God, and if He had come in that form (which He had a right to do), He could not have accomplished His great work of salvation. He Himself renounced being like God out of love for lost humanity, but taking the form of a servant, He was found in appearance as a man.

Jesus’ mindset was to humble Himself as deeply as possible. Jesus Himself says, “He who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt. 23:12. By following Jesus in His humiliation, we become equipped for the work of ministry, and despite not having any notion of being exalted, Jesus’ promise stands: We will be exalted. The way goes downward, and in the depths we have fellowship in the light where love, joy, and peace rule.

“Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more . . . .” Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. “Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Cor. 10:33.

These are some clear statements from the apostle who had become an outstanding fisher of men, concerning how he conducted himself. This is in harmony with what is written about Jesus.

The apostle Paul understood that if he was to be a fisher of men, then the way that Jesus went was the only right way. And Jesus says: “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave . . . .” Matt. 20:26-27.

In order to win the many, the apostle Paul made himself a servant to all. He suffered the loss of all things for Jesus’ sake, counting it all rubbish, even loss, because the knowledge of Jesus Chris was worth so much more. Phil. 3:8.

When a servant of the Lord chooses to proceed that way, God has complete confidence in him and He can give him of His abundant grace.