It was one of those videos that makes you stop and do a double take—Yemeni fishermen frantically rescuing hundreds of sheep from the Red Sea. A ship carrying thousands of sheep had run aground off the coast of Ras Al-Ara, Yemen. The vessel was headed for Djibouti when it capsized, leading to the drowning of more than 160 sheep. However, many were saved due to the combined efforts of a group of fishermen who found themselves, well, fishing for sheep.
Isaiah’s words came to mind when I first saw that image: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray” (53:6). In the same moment, perhaps reflecting the way the Old and New Testaments beautifully work in tandem, Jesus’ invitation to His first disciples surfaced from my memory. Matthew’s gospel records His invitation as He walked beside the Sea of Galilee: “ ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people’ ” (4:19).
For those of us intent on being Jesus’ disciples today, that same invitation is offered. Jesus calls us to fish for people. And why? People—and that means all of us—are like sheep who have strayed from God’s ways and will and words. We need rescue. Being introduced to the Savior can take place by way of His disciples. In His beautiful way, Jesus makes us—His sheep—fishers of other sheep.
Who in your vicinity is like a drowning sheep? What part can you play in their rescue?
Dear God, please make me a fisher of sheep.
The account of Jesus calling His disciples to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:19) strongly emphasizes the force of Christ’s call on their lives. Typically, someone who wanted to study under a rabbi would make the decision to approach the rabbi about being a disciple. But Jesus is the one who approached His disciples and commanded them to follow Him. Immediately after the description of Christ calling His first disciples, we’re told of His healing ministry (vv. 23-25). His healing actions revealed that He was bringing God’s kingdom (v. 17) down to earth in a powerful way—and He’d chosen the disciples to be part of that mission. Those called by Jesus immediately left fishing—their livelihood—as well as their families (v. 22) to devote all of themselves to living out the mission of reaching those who need God. Today, as well, God has called us to share the gospel with others.
For further study, read: Waiting on God's Rescue
