Go Fish
Jenna Worsham
Today's Scripture: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Theme: Being a disciple-maker is the greatest mission you have as a Jesus follower.
WHY SHOULD I MAKE DISCIPLES?
“It’s not about you.” The first line from Rick Warren’s iconic book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Warren, Rick: Zondervan, 2002.) answers the fundamental question posed in the subtitle. We aren’t here on earth for ourselves. We are here to make disciples. Jesus spent His entire ministry mentoring twelve disciples. Jesus then tells His disciples to go make more disciples! The last mission assigned to Jesus-followers is often called “The Great Commission.” The Latin prefix “co” means “jointly together.” So, our joint mission, the joint mission of Jesus and His disciples (including us!), is to make more disciples. According to God, making disciples is why we are here.
FISHING CAREER
When Jesus wanted to explain a principle, he often used a relatable analogy. Some of Jesus’ first disciples were career fishermen. It’s no coincidence that He invited them to follow Him by using a work comparison. This co-mission was to become their mutual life’s work. “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20, NLT).
First, He asked them to follow Him. He invited them to benefit from His leadership, example, and teaching. They could have said no. Instead, they left their nets and followed. They would still be “fishing,” after all.
FISHING IS NOT FOR ME
There are a few things about fishing that make it unpalatable for me. First, there is the issue of live bait. Second, while we can do some things to increase the odds that we will catch fish, there’s no guarantee. Finally, if we do catch a fish, it is guaranteed to be – a fish: smelly, slimy and in need of cleaning. This is not for me.
Sometimes, we feel the same way about making disciples. It takes work, patience, time, and there are no guarantees. People are messy. I want to say, “No thank you.”
THE GREATEST MISSION
Yet It's not an option. God’s own Son came to make disciples. It was His greatest mission. It’s the mission He gave to the disciples who followed Him, so it's our greatest mission, too. Even if you feel that “fishing for people” is not for you, you are called and commissioned. It is your purpose.
Make it Personal: If God in the flesh spent His productive years making disciples, what does that say about the importance of us doing the same?
Pray: Dear Father, help me to recognize the importance and value of making disciples. Thank you for calling me, for choosing me, and for commissioning me.
Read: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 16:15-16
Weekly Memory Verse:“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)