Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light, and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death. From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:12-23, CEB)
How does one fish for people?
What kind of bait would you use? I do not fish, but I know the type of bait one uses makes a difference for the fish. So what would you use to catch a human?
For me, you could use coffee or bacon. Black coffee, no cream. If you put cream in it, I would usually pass.
But also remember they fished with nets, not poles. So is there even bait? And what implications does this have on fishing for people? Are we supposed to drag people in? I mean, confirmation students will say they are drug to worship!
Maybe our lives are supposed to be so changed by our interactions with Jesus that people see that and ask how they can have what we have. Maybe our lives so speak love and grace that others are drawn to God to understand the mercy and grace that exudes from our lives. Maybe we show love in everything we do and people want that.
Jesus loved all and accepted all. Maybe if our lives mimicked that others would be drawn to Jesus.
What can you do to show and live God’s love?
aSacredRebel 