Sermonette for January 29, 2018

During Jesus’ ministry, the world was not a fun place to live. The Roman government occupied the nation, Herod was an ignorant, evil king, and Pontius Pilate wasn’t the thoughtful leader they so longed for. The first disciples were fishermen, working day and night, hard labor, to barely scrape by.

Jesus passes by them, and says, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” They drop their nets and follow. It all seems sort of easy, but we know differently. The disciples had no charmed existence, and the person they followed ended up being tortured to death.

Discipleship nowadays is pretty difficult too. No one is immune from the pain and suffering: loss of loved ones, relationship strife, health problems, financial burdens, maybe all of the above.

That’s why it’s so important that Jesus says, “I will make you fish for people.” FOR PEOPLE. We’re not in this life alone. It’s going to be difficult, yes, but it’s supposed to be done with other people.

I encourage you to write a list of people in your life who have helped you see God. God who is loving, forgiving, present, honest, self-less, a God who builds you up.