FISHING #2

WHO IS GOING FISHING?

We learned last week what happens when Jesus gets in the boat.

1. He ask permission to take over

2. He promises success “if we try again.”

3. He gives more than expected to those who honor his Lordship.

4. He gave them more than they could handle.

5. He gave them enough to change their hearts.

6. He gave them more than they understood.

 

Luke 5:9-11

⁹For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” ¹¹So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. NIV

 

Mark 1:17-18

¹⁷“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him. NIV

 

I. The Invitation

I have been in the boat with those who did not catch fish and was not very interested in fishing again. However I went with a group of men to Northfork Lake and fished with a guide. We caught huge fish. I was excited about going back. Jesus has just given them two boat loads of fish and he is asking thing to come….. Who is giving the invitation makes a big difference about getting excited about fishing.

A. Come

This requires a releasing of future dreams and ambitions. This requires a releasing of my will to whatever he has for me. This requires a decision to be made. Yes or no? You can stay where you. You can keep doing what you are doing for the rest of your life or you can trust me to lead you to something better.

B. Follow me

Listen to my teaching. Watch what I do. Observe how I treat people. See what I am drawn too. Stay with me where I stay. Go where I go. Live like I live

 

II. The Promise - “I will make you”

A. It is an absolute promise

“I will” Something will happen to you if you follow me.

B. It is a transforming promise

“I will make….” This word “make” means different things in the Greek. The Enhanced Strongs Lexicon 4160 ποιέω [poieo /poy•eh•o/ 1. to produce, construct, form, fashion, 2. to be the authors of, the cause. 3. to make ready, to prepare. 4. to produce, bear, shoot forth. 5. to make a thing out of something. 6. to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that.

C. It is a personal promise

“I will make you” What is wrong with them now? They are devoted, hard working, God fearing fishermen.

1. Jesus is telling them, “I like you the way you are but love you too much to leave you this way.”

2. Jesus is saying, “Following me and I will make into something you have never been.”

3. “Follow me and you will never be the same.” Who would have ever picked men who would curse, fight, and deny your relationship like Peter, James and John. Yet Jesus saw something in them no one else could see. He would make them into someone they never dreamed they would be. It was all in the following Jesus. If we will just get people to follow Jesus as they are, as they follow they will see and hear Jesus do things that will arrest their heart and devotion. Jesus knows how to catch fish (men) that is why we must follow him. When Jesus would get through “making” them they would be known for who they represented. Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

III. The End Result - “I will make you fishers of men”

He did not promise that he would make them more Spiritual, Holy, Intellectual, Successful. He boldly states that when they follow him they would be transformed from men who catch fish, to men who catch men. Followers of Christ will catch men. Matt. 13 is a parable of the Kingdom of God and the emphasis of almost all the parables is that the Kingdom grows and enlarges. How are we doing? Have you ever lead a person who was outside the faith to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus? I want to ask to do something. Think of the person that brought you to Christ or back to Christ and write them a letter thanking them for what they did. Tell them how your life has changed and what it has meant to you.