You Have a Message

Think about all the ways people communicate today. We have smartphones, tablets, social media, video calls, and so much more. But thousands of years ago, Jesus didn't have any of these things. So how did he leave us a message? He used something even more powerful and lasting - the Bible. And guess what? His message is still waiting for your response today.

Jesus' message is an invitation, and it's pretty exciting. He wants you to become a "fisher of people." Now, before you start thinking about casting nets over your friends, let me explain what this really means. When Jesus called his first disciples by the Sea of Galilee, he was asking them to do something much more important than catching fish for dinner.

Picture this scene: Simon Peter and Andrew were professional fishermen. They knew everything about nets, boats, and catching fish. It was their job, their career, their whole life. Then Jesus walked up and said, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" Can you imagine their surprise? But here's what's amazing - they immediately dropped their nets and followed him. They didn't say, "Let me think about it" or "Can I finish this job first?" They recognized that Jesus was offering them something incredible.

The same thing happened with James and John. They were sitting in their boat, probably doing the boring job of mending their nets - kind of like doing homework, but for fishermen! When Jesus called them, they also left everything behind to follow him.

So what does it mean to "fish for people"? It means helping others discover the amazing love and friendship that Jesus offers. Just like fishermen use different techniques to catch different kinds of fish, we can use different ways to share Jesus' love with different people. Maybe you're good at being kind to the new kid at school. Maybe you're great at including others in games at recess. Maybe you ask great questions that help people think about important things. These are all ways of "fishing for people."

Here's something to think about: Why do you think Peter, Andrew, James, and John were willing to leave everything behind so quickly? What do you think they saw in Jesus that made them want to follow him immediately? Sometimes following Jesus means making tough choices, like choosing to forgive someone who hurt you, or standing up for what's right even when it's not popular.

Being a "fisher of people" doesn't mean you have to become a pastor or missionary (although you could!). It means living your life in a way that shows others how awesome it is to be Jesus' friend. When you show kindness, forgiveness, honesty, and love, you're fishing for people. When you invite a friend to church or youth group, you're fishing for people. When you help someone who's struggling, you're fishing for people.

Think about the people in your life - your classmates, neighbors, teammates, or family members. How could you "fish" for them? Maybe it's as simple as being the friend who always includes others, or the person who helps with homework, or someone who listens when others are upset. Jesus wants to use your unique personality and talents to reach others.

Here's the really cool part: when we help someone else discover Jesus' love, it's like catching the biggest fish ever! There's no feeling quite like knowing you helped someone become part of God's family. And just like those first disciples, Jesus is still calling people today - including you - to join his fishing crew.

So here's the big question: Jesus has left you a message in the Bible, inviting you to follow him and become a fisher of people. How will you respond? Will you be like Peter, Andrew, James, and John and say "yes" right away? What's holding you back? And what's one way you could start "fishing for people" this week?

Dear Jesus, thank you for inviting us to be part of your team. Help us to be brave like Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Show us how to share your love with others and help them discover what an amazing friend you are. Give us courage to follow you, even when it's challenging. Amen.