Passing along the sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18 ESV)
Rabbi Jesus called these two brothers to learn from Him how to fish for people just as He went fishing for them. Andrew and Simon’s response was to drop their nets right away and follow their new teacher.
Jesus wasted no time in beginning their instruction. Walking a little farther, He gave these new disciples a demonstration of His master fishing technique as He netted James and John as two more of His followers. (See Mark 1:19-20.)
After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, the apostles and other disciples gathered to await the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, these Spirit-filled disciples began fishing for people by praising God in tongues and proclaiming the Gospel. Their catch that day was about 3,000 people who repented, were baptized, and received the Holy Spirit.
Some 2,000 years later, you and I find ourselves having been called by Jesus to follow Him so He can make us become fishers of people. Let us pray that, by the working of the Holy Spirit in us, we may daily say “Yes!” to following the Master Fisherman!