“Come, Follow Me" – The Call to Be Fishers of Men

 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once, they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18-20)

The scene is simple, yet powerful. Jesus, walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sees two ordinary men at work—Simon and Andrew, casting their nets, engaged in their daily task as fishermen. But in an instant, everything changes. With just one sentence, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, Jesus radically redefines their purpose.

This invitation was not just for Peter and Andrew. It is extended to each of us today. Jesus calls you and me to follow Him, to walk in His steps, and to become fishers of men, people who, by God’s grace, lead others into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be a Fisher of Men?

To be a fisher of men is to be someone who reaches out to others with the good news of Jesus. It is a call to live on mission, not merely attending church or reading the Bible for personal benefit, but allowing Christ to use us to draw others into His kingdom. When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t offer them comfort, clarity, or control. He gave them a mission. He promised transformation; “I will make you…”—and purpose.

Notice the sequence:

·       Come”– an invitation to a relationship.

·       Follow Me” – a call to trust and obedience.

·       “I will make you” – a promise of transformation.

·       “Fishers of men” – a purpose beyond themselves.

Jesus does not merely call us to follow without direction. He shapes us into who we are meant to be as we walk with Him.

Responding to the Call

1.     Accept His Invitation:

“Follow me” requires a step of faith. For Peter and Andrew, it meant leaving behind their nets—their livelihood, their security, and everything familiar. Following Jesus will cost something. It may mean letting go of comfort, status, or even certain relationships. But the reward is greater than anything we leave behind.

 Be Willing to Be Transformed:

“I will make you” speaks to a process. We are not instantly perfected. Jesus takes our raw potential and begins shaping us through the Holy Spirit, the Word, and our experiences. Discipleship is not passive; it requires surrender, growth, and continual learning. We must be teachable and open to change.

3.     Embrace the Mission:

To fish for men is to engage in the redemptive work of Christ. It’s not just about “catching” people and moving on—it’s about walking alongside them, discipling them, and helping them grow in Christ. Evangelism is only the beginning. True discipleship involves community, accountability, and spiritual investment.

 A Lifelong Commitment

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision; It’s a daily journey—a commitment to grow through worship, devotion, fellowship, and service. The call to discipleship is lifelong. It challenges our priorities and reorients our purpose. We grow as we read God’s Word, pray, gather with other believers, and obey His leading.

So, how will you respond? Jesus still walked by the shores of ordinary lives and extended the same invitation: “Come, follow me.” Will you follow Him? Will you allow Him to shape your heart, your purpose, and your path? Will you let Him make you a fisher of men?

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He renew your passion for Him and give you courage to step out in faith. The choice is yours. Will you follow?

Dr. Dimas Castillo