The Significance of “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

The phrase “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” is one of the most well-known and significant sayings of Jesus Christ. It is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus invites his first disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew, to leave their nets and follow him (Matthew 4:19). This invitation is repeated to James and John, the sons of Zebedee, as they are mending their nets (Matthew 4:21-22).

Context of the Phrase

It appears in Matthew 4:19, Jesus’ invitation to the fishermen to become “fishers of men” comes at a pivotal moment in his ministry. He has just begun his public teaching and preaching, and he is gathering a group of disciples who will be the foundation of his new movement. The fishermen are ordinary men, uneducated and unrefined, but they are also very good men, hard-working and dedicated to their craft. Jesus sees in them the potential to become leaders in his kingdom, and he invites them to leave their old lives behind and follow him.

Significance of the Phrase

The phrase “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” is a metaphor for the work of discipleship and evangelism. Just as fishermen catch fish with fish net, Jesus’ disciples will catch people with heaven net for the kingdom of heaven.

This work is not easy, it requires sacrifice and dedication. But it is also a work of great joy and fulfillment, as it involves sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others to help them to find new life in themself.

Application of the Phrase

The phrase “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” has a profound application for Christians today. It is a reminder of our calling to be witnesses to Christ and to share his message with the world. It challenges us to be Good, Mercy, Courage and Intellect in our faith, and to use his favors and our talents to spread the gospel.

Specifically, we can apply this verse by:

Living our lives in a way that is consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ. This means Good, Mercy, Courage and Intellect, which means always striving to do what is right.

Sharing our faith with others in a way that is both respectful and persuasive to support missionaries and other Christian organizations that are working to spread the gospel around the world. We can do this through Pray God’s Will!, Hear God’s Word!, and Hold God’s Hand!

By following Jesus and becoming “fishers of men,” we can play a part in fulfilling the Great Commission and bringing the God’s Hand Link of Salvation and Guidance to the ends of the earth.