Cast Your Net

You have probably seen the television “reality” dramas which portray fishermen, usually in the extreme northern hemisphere, commandeering seagoing vessels and crews in the pursuit of King Crab, Chinook, Coho, Humpback, Keta, Halibut, Red Snapper, or Cod. Many find it fascinating to follow the stories of men and women who are willing to risk great danger and extreme conditions in the pursuit of the “big catch” and the certain wealth which follows. In each episode, footage is often shown of the fishermen casting large grates and/or nets so that maximum efficiency might be achieved. The cast members often explain (sometimes in very colorful ways) just how important it is for the captain and crew to be in the right location at the right time. The hurried nature in which these fishermen cast their lures is a skill for which many find quite overwhelming. It is not the kind of fishing experience for which most of us are familiar or would ever seek to enjoy!

In the gospels, we are given various accounts of some of the men whom Jesus would call to be His disciples. Some of these were fishermen, and other than the overdramatization, advanced technology, and extreme temperatures, much of their fishing outings would have been quite relatable to what is often aired on network media. These men were always seeking the big catch, for their livelihoods depended upon such work. Undoubtedly, these men would have been rugged in appearance, and perhaps unrefined in social graces. However, the means which they would use to catch fish would call for ingenuity and sweat equity. Other than the boats by which they would travel onto the water, their nets would have been their most important tools. Their work was not a leisurely excursion or sporting event; the financial security of their families depended upon efficiency in catching as many fish as possible.

One such account in the gospels of these fishermen’s work is given to us by Luke:

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”—Luke 5:1-10

Using the skillsets and understanding of their profession, Jesus commanded that they would now be fishers of men! Just as they had countless times cast large nets into the waters, going where the fish are, they would now be used by God to cast the net of the gospel; yet, for much more than mere financial gain. These men would be the means by which God would redeem the souls of men, women, and children from every ethnicity and people group in the entire world. Through their fishing for men, God would bring Himself the greatest glory for all eternity! Of course, as followers of Jesus, we are called to do the same. We are to cast the net of the gospel into the lives of those whom God has placed in our circle of influence. While each soul has incalculable worth to God, we are to reach as many as possible. We are not to deny the hope of Christ to any, for it is through the gospel alone by which any can be saved.

Scripture goes on to instruct about the nature of our fishing for men as with nets: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous”—Matthew 13:47-49

As Jesus explains in this parable, God uses the net of the gospel to catch souls for His glory. As we follow Christ by faith, He calls each of us to cast this net in the lives of people with whom we come in contact. Yet, this parable also provides an important designation. At the time of judgment, God alone will determine those fish that truly belong to the kingdom of heaven. Just as the fishermen of today and of Jesus’ day have need to sort out those fish which are caught by their nets, so this will happen in eternity. Some items in the fishermen’s net are not useful. Some unintended articles are caught. So, with the net of the gospel, there will be some who are not true followers of Christ. Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18-23) and parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) exemplify this very truth. However, it is within God’s wisdom and authority alone to determine those who are truly His.

So, we are commanded to be “fishers of men”, casting the net of the gospel to all who will listen and respond in faith. As God gives us opportunities to love in Jesus’ name, to serve the hurting, and to proclaim His Word, we are to do so. We are to be intentional and even creative in catching as many as possible with the gospel. But the responsibility of sorting true believers from those whom merely give the façade of faith is the responsibility of God alone. Such an understanding will keep us dependent upon the Lord, who alone is able to save. Such an understanding releases us from needless anxiety and frustration for those whom we believe could not or should not be caught by God’s grace.

Oh, the mercy of God that He would choose any of us to be caught by the gospel of His grace! Yet, greater still His mercy that He would choose to use us to catch others for His glory! Let us be faithful in our fishing, and leave the results to the One alone who can save.

Jason