Today’s Scripture: Matthew 4:19
When Jesus called His first disciples, He made an interesting promise: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Notice the connection. Jesus did not separate following Him from helping others find Him. The two were always meant to go together.
Many people think of evangelism as a special assignment for a few gifted individuals. Jesus viewed it differently. Helping people discover God’s love is part of the normal Christian life.
The disciples did not begin as expert fishermen of people. They began as ordinary men willing to follow Jesus. As they spent time with Him, their hearts changed. They began caring about the things He cared about.
The same thing happens today. The closer we grow to Jesus, the more we begin to see people through His eyes. We notice those who are hurting, searching, discouraged, and far from God. His compassion becomes our compassion.
Fishing for people is not about pressure or performance. It is about participation. God invites us to join Him in what He is already doing in the lives of others.
The goal is not simply to gain knowledge about Jesus. The goal is to become like Jesus. And Jesus never stopped pursuing people.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Who is one person in your life who may be far from God? Begin praying for them by name today.
PRAYER
Jesus, You joined following You with helping others find You. As I grow closer to You, give me Your eyes for those who are hurting and far from God. Let Your compassion become my compassion. Free me from pressure and performance, and invite me to join what You are already doing in people’s lives. Make me more like You, who never stopped pursuing people.
The Daily is following along with The Way, our fall group study, through November 7.