In Mark’s gospel, we read these words of Jesus, “‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

When Jesus called his first disciples, he didn't seek out perfect, polished men. He saw ordinary fishermen—men whose hands were calloused from handling nets, whose boats smelled of fish, and whose lives were devoted to a predictable, difficult trade. The Son of God didn't approach them with a laundry list of requirements for discipleship. Instead, he made them a simple, stunning promise: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men”.

This is the core of the "work in progress" aspect of our faith. Jesus doesn't ask us to be perfect before we follow him. He simply says, "Follow me," and he promises to do the shaping.

Three things for your consideration:

1. The invitation is simple, but the transformation is profound.

Jesus’s call to Simon and Andrew was just two words: "Follow me." Their immediate obedience—dropping nets, livelihood, and identity—set in motion lifelong change. Jesus's promise, "I will make you become," marked the start of a gradual process of discipleship, shaping them through failures and questions. Saying "yes" to Jesus begins a lifelong transformation as God works in us to conform us to his will.

2. Your past does not define your future purpose.

Before Jesus's call, Simon and Andrew were fishermen, pulling fish from the sea. Afterward, they became "fishers of men," rescuing people from darkness and bringing them into God's kingdom. Jesus repurposed their familiar skill for an eternal mission.

This reminds us that regardless of your past, skills, or struggles, Jesus can redeem and reorient them for his purpose. He is the potter shaping our lives into vessels of honor. Your identity is now defined by who you are in Christ, a new creation for his kingdom.

3. The power to change is not your own.

Jesus says, "I will make you become," not "Go make yourselves into fishers of men." He recognizes our flaws and that transformation is his work, not ours. We're not responsible for our spiritual renewal; our role is to show up, follow, and surrender. He is the one who transforms. Though the disciples stumble, Jesus never abandons his promise to shape them, and the same is true for us.

Three things to ponder this weekend:

1. What "nets" do you need to leave behind to follow Jesus today? This might be a habit, priority, or attachment that hinders embracing his new purpose.

2. In what ways have you felt like an "unlearned fisherman" in your spiritual journey? How does Jesus's promise, "I will make you," offer you comfort and relief from the pressure to be perfect?

3. Are you trusting Jesus to transform you or trying to earn it yourself?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us as we are now, not for who we will become. Thank you that when you call us to follow, you promise to transform us. Help us leave old ways and trust your power to shape us into who you call us to be. We surrender our lives as a work in progress. Amen.

Blessings on your discipleship journey,

Gene
Because Life Begins At Calvary