1/23/20

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23..

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20

This familiar passage tells us of Jesus calling His disciples. Jesus doesn’t give them a scripted recruitment pitch, He merely tells them “Come follow me and I will send you out to fish for people” (verse 19). It is an unusual statement but amazingly the ones He called go without hesitation.

Jesus tells them they will be gathering in people as they once drew in fish. I always thought this “catching” analogy a little strange. After all, didn’t Jesus invite people? He certainly didn’t drag them in like fish in a net!

Perhaps we need to look at this a little differently. What if we think of Jesus catching us as we fell in sin and putting us back on our feet, in a right relationship with God and with a new life and purpose? This seems more in line with what Jesus does for us. He draws us in with His love and teaches us, then sends us out to share the Good News. You might say Jesus uses “catch and release” to spread the word of His love.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the coming of Jesus to gather us in and show us Your love. Help us to go in His name to gather our brothers and sisters in to feel Your love too. Amen.

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