Fisher of Men

In this week's lesson, Jesus comes to the disciples and asks them to become "fishers of men" for him. Fishing is somewhat of an odd way to describe following Jesus. Are we like the disciples... specially called by Jesus to follow him or are we like the fish dragged away from our home and from the masses to a new place? Whether we volunteer or are dragged flipping and flailing toward discipleship it seems like we are called to leave behind our old comfortable way of life to follow Jesus.

It has always been a source of wonder that the disciples left their jobs and lives behind so readily to follow Jesus to who-knows-where. I sometimes wonder whether there is more to it than the personal charisma of Jesus himself. Perhaps Simon or Andrew felt the calling to do something more than just fish for the rest of their lives. Maybe for years they felt a nagging voice that called them to go on an adventure... to do something truly transforming in the world. Maybe when Jesus showed up on a mission from God and called them to leave, an uncomplicated "yes" was the only option their consciences could consider. Do you ever feel that call?

Come and See

"...He replied, "Come along and see for yourself..." After Jesus's baptism, people began to wonder who he was and what he was up to. His reply, come and see. He still calls us this way. Come and see what I have in store for you. Though it might be scary to leave what you are doing and follow, he promises an adventurous and amazing road.... As he said to Nathanial "You've become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven't seen anything yet! Before this is over you're going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again."

At Crossings this week, Katie gave a great message on this subject. She compared what was going on in the verse to the movie, "The Visitor" where a lonely professor runs into an immigrant couple who illegally moved into an apartment that he owned. Over the course of time he got involved in their live and they got involved with his. Jesus called these disciples who happened to be around him into a crazy adventure and he calls each of us. Are we brave enough to follow?