“I Will Make You Fishers Of People”

One day Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. There he saw two brothers. They were Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the lake. They were fishermen. "Come. Follow me," Jesus said. "I will make you fishers of people."

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers. They were James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee. As they were preparing their nets, Jesus called out to them.

Right away they left the boat and their father and followed Jesus.

Jesus went all over Galilee. There he taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's kingdom. He healed every illness and sickness the people had.

News about him spread all over Syria. People brought to him all who were ill with different kinds of sicknesses. Some were suffering great pain. Others were controlled by demons. Some were shaking wildly. Others couldn't move at all. And Jesus healed all of them.

Large crowds followed him. Some people came from Galilee, from the area known as the Ten Cities, and from Jerusalem and Judea. Others came from the area across the Jordan River.

Matthew 4:18-25

If someone asked you who you are, would you respond with what you do? Many of us would. We can be fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, and Christians, before we ever get into what we do. Our world seems to judge us based on what we are, not who we are. You and I are Christians.

Who you are is found in your relationship with Jesus Christ. And this sense of identity will drive your behavior.

Jesus is looking for followers. He wants to make something of your life by giving you the identity of a follower of Jesus. It doesn’t mean giving up your career, but it does mean that you will do your work – and live your life – according to His will and ways.

If you are a follower of Jesus, that’s all the identity you need.

Our Daily Bread – March 18, 2010