Fishers of Men

January 23rd, 2009

LHC Kids have been hearing about Elijah and Role Models the entire month of January. This Sunday we tie in Jesus as a Role Model.

Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus chooses his first 4 disciples. Simon, Andrew, James and John. These four men are Jesus first students. These four men are fisherman. Why did Jesus choose four fishermen to be his first students? I am certain it was a good living. I am certain they provided well for their families. My research tells me that the Sea of Galilee was famous for the quantities and types of fish. In Israel the Sea of Galilee was known as the 'Fish Gate' because of the amount of fish that was brought into Jerusalem to its markets. Most of the fish were caught by nets that were cast out and drug back by hand. A very strenuous line of work.

I think I know why he choose fisherman. Hear me out on this one.

Jesus used his fisherman students as examples throughout his teaching years.

The example He tells the disciples on their first day in class. "I will make you fishers of people." Matthew 4:19

These men knew what fishing was all about.

Cast the net and drag in a bunch of fish.

So, Jesus tells the disciples he is going to teach them how to cast out a net and bring in a huge amount of people???

Yes, that is exactly what Jesus said. They understood. They were excited, fired up. I think they couldn't wait to learn about how they were going to use their experience as fisherman to capture people's hearts for the glory of God.

Now we are his disciples. We are here as Christ followers to do what Jesus taught us. He taught us to cast our nets. He taught us to bring the net in. Then he taught us to take care of our catch.

Thank you for all you do for LHC Kids! I cannot wait for Sunday to happen!

In Him.......

Laurie