And walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” And they immediately left the nets, and followed Him. Matt 4:18-20

 An oft-quoted phrase in the religious world “Fishers of men”

Symbol worn by thousands who claim to be “Fishers Of Men” (as lapel pins, tie clasps, rings, etc.)

Some churches even have clever signs promoting this concept.

 An oft-quoted phrase in the religious world  Aside from these 2 examples, what does one really learn when considering this familiar text? “Fishers of men”

 The fishermen “…immediately left their nets” and followed Jesus  We must be equally willing to leave everything else behind to follow Jesus Ê Kingdom work is greater than secular work “Fishers of men”

Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

 Fish are “caught” with deception (bait)  Men must be “caught” with Divine truth (no deception) Ë Kingdom work is different from secular work “Fishers of men”

1 Pet 2:21-22 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.

Jn 14:1-2a Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you…

Eph 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices.

 Fish are “caught” for their destruction  Men must be “caught” for their eternal salvation Ë Kingdom work is different from secular work “Fishers of men”

Rom 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Jas 5:19-20 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

“Fishers of men”  If you’re already a disciple, be thankful God “caught you” for your salvation  If you’re not a follower of Jesus, please consider where you’re headed if you do not accept God’s offer

“Fishers of men”  We’re grateful for the opportunity to worship God this morning…thank you for joining us  We’re especially glad to have you if you are visiting…let us greet you before you leave  May we truly be trying to “catch men” for the kingdom of God