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Biblical, battle-tested, real-life help for "living by faith in the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). — Steve Fuller

Jesus Promises That You Will Be A Fisher Of Men

A longing in our hearts

Deep down inside — every follower of Jesus longs to lead people to Christ.

Why?  Because when you lead someone to Christ, they are freed from Satan’s rule, reconciled to God, forgiven for all their sins, and enter into heart-filling joy.

So why don’t we pursue this?

One reason is because we feel inadequate —

  • We feel fearful
  • We feel awkward
  • We think we don’t know enough
  • We don’t know where to start

That’s why Jesus’ words in Mark 1:17 are so encouraging —

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Who is Jesus talking to?

You might think it’s just the apostles.

And it’s true — here Jesus is talking to Simon, Andrew, James, and John — who end up being apostles.

But that’s not until later (Mark 3:14).  Here in Mark 1 Jesus is calling disciples, not apostles.  Later he chooses apostles out of the group of disciples.

So Mark 1:17 is Jesus’ call to disciples — which means all of us.

Don’t miss what Jesus promises

So read Mark 1:17 again.  Notice what WE do — and what JESUS promises to do —

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

So what do we do?  Follow Him.

And what does Jesus promise to do?  Make us become fishers of men.

Not “make us” as in forcing us against our will.  But “make us” as in transforming our will — and giving us everything else we need — so we become fishers of men.

He is saying He will give us —

  • longing to see people saved (Rom 9:1-3)
  • love for lost people (Gal 5:22)
  • wisdom to know what to say (Mat 10:19)
  • opportunities to share the gospel (Col 4:3)
  • boldness to share the gospel (Acts 4:29)
  • effectiveness in sharing the gospel (Mark 4:20)

In other words, Jesus will overcome all our inadequacies.

Jesus promises — PROMISES — to transform us into fishers of men.

But there is something we must do …

We must follow Jesus

This means trusting Jesus as our Savior, Lord, and all-satisfying Treasure — yes.

But that’s not all.

It also means seeing where Jesus is headed — and taking steps to follow Him.

Where is Jesus headed?

Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1Tim 1:15).  That’s still His purpose today — that’s where He’s headed.

Jesus is advancing the Gospel in your neighborhood, workplace, and circle of friends — and He’s calling you to follow.

How?  By asking Him to show you what He would have you do in your neighborhood, workplace, and circle of friends.

As you pray, He will give you specific next steps that fit you — your setting, your personality, and your lifestyle.

And as you take these steps, He will give you everything you need — desire, wisdom, love, boldness, words, actions.

He will transform you into a fisher of men.  He’s promised.

So ask Him

Every day, pray for two things.

  1. Pray that Jesus will change you into a fisher of men.
  2. And pray that Jesus will give you concrete steps to take in your neighborhood, at your workplace, or with your friends.

When He does, pray earnestly, and take those steps — trusting that He will fulfill His promise and make you into a fisher of men.

Other steps

How does this impact you?  Does it raise questions?  Does it encourage?  I’d love to hear — leave a reply below.

Read how God motivated me to pursue evangelism.

Do you know someone else who would be helped by reading this?  Email it to them by using the “share” button below.  Or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

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(Picture by auroquiero on stock xchng.)

Category: Help with Evangelism

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4 Responses

  1. Peter Woods says:

    This was encouraging, even a the long time follower of Christ. I don’t know how many times I’ve read that Mark 1:17 passage and felt obligated and then guilty for not doing it well. I’ve been trying to share Christ with two of my co-workers with lots of heavy resistance on their parts. I share my faith and beliefs when the opportunity arises. I know that the opportunities are God ordained. I believe that I still need to ask God for these opportunities and be looking for them continually. Many times I have been so frustrated with the negativity and resistance that I throw my hands up in the air and tell God I’ve had enough. God’s love convicts me and reminds me how far away from Christ I was and how long and hard I myself resisted the offering of God’s peace. so, these things God is willing for us to have:
    longing to see people saved (Rom 9:1-3)
    love for lost people (Gal 5:22)
    wisdom to know what to say (Mat 10:19)
    opportunities to share the gospel (Col 4:3)
    boldness to share the gospel (Acts 4:29)
    effectiveness in sharing the gospel (Mark 4:20)
    I think I (we) need to continue to ask for coupled with our genuine relationship with Christ which speaks much louder sometimes than words.
    Blessings!
    Pete

    • Steve Fuller says:

      Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, Pete. It brings me joy to hear from you.

      Like you say, prayer is absolutely crucial — along with living a hope-filled life (1Pet 3:15). This morning God has been stirring me to pray more for my neighborhood.

      It also has helped me to realize that the Word of God is the channel through which God gives people faith (Rom 10:17) — which encourages me to share it broadly. Who knows what God might do?

      Much love to you, brother,

      Steve

  2. Patrick Anderson says:

    Thank you for being there,I pray everyday,and talk to my co-workers about the Lord all the time and they are just young kids without a clue and I want to be able to touch them the right way where the Lord gets into there heart,not an easy job but I never stop showwing them how Jesus can change there life,but I believe the Lord wants me to do more and I just don’t know how or where to start,It feels like he wants to burst out of my heartI well keep praying and ask him where he wants me,he well answer and then I well be a fisher or men,women and childeren,until that day I well keep praying.Thank you again and if anyone can help me find a way Please reply Praise to all of you Patrick Anderson

    • Steve Fuller says:

      Hi Patrick,

      I love your passion to tell others about Jesus!

      I would encourage you to study how Jesus and his apostles shared the good news. Check out John 4 and 1 Corinthians 9, for example.

      And look at posts to the right under “Check Here For More Help” and “Help For Evangelism.”

      Keep us posted on how Jesus enables you to become a fisher of men.

      In Christ,

      Steve Fuller

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