From Ben – 2 May 2021

In the passage we will consider today from Matthew’s gospel, we will see Jesus calling His first 4 disciples, who will become His inner core and most trusted disciples.

In this passage He not only calls these common fishermen to follow Him but also to be fishers of men. That same commission is set before every one of us who have come to faith in Christ.

Some people have said that because every Christian has different gifting from the Lord, evangelism and sharing the faith with others should be left to those who are gifted to do so. It is true to say that some are especially gifted with the ability to evangelise, but we are all commissioned to share the gospel of Christ. We are all called to gossip the gospel wherever we find ourselves.

We may not have the privilege of going all the way and praying the sinner’s prayer with someone, but we can do a little towards helping them coming to know the Lord. It may mean that we invite them to church or include them in the home group we attend or even accompany them to an Alpha course.

Witnessing can take many different forms. Ask God to show you a simple yet creative way of helping others consider the claims of Christ. I have found that as I ask and look out for opportunities God opens up unexpected opportunities to speak of Jesus and His plan of salvation.

The N.T. calls us His ambassadors. Let us take to heart the privilege of speaking out for Him. We need to be wise and tactful, gentle but courageous. Jesus called His disciples to be with Him that they may go out for Him. Jesus did not call them to hear Him only, but to serve Him, to be His fishers of men.