Living By Faith Blog

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.

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(Picture by auroquiero on stock xchng.)