by Dorcas Kulwa | 17 March 2022 08:46 pm03
A Good Net Doesn’t Choose What It Catches
(Based on Matthew 13:47–48, NIV)
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory and honor be to Him forever and ever. Amen.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose so many fishermen to be among His closest disciples? Out of the twelve apostles, at least four—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—were professional fishermen (see Matthew 4:18–22, NIV). Later in John 21:1–3, we see Thomas, Nathanael, and two other unnamed disciples also participating in fishing after Jesus’ resurrection, suggesting they either had experience or were comfortable with the trade. This means that at least seven of Jesus’ disciples were connected to fishing in some way.
The reason is deeply symbolic and practical. Fishing is a perfect metaphor for the ministry of evangelism. When Jesus called Peter, He said:
Mathew 4 : 19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Jesus didn’t say, “I will make you a teacher of men” or “a speaker to the crowds.” He specifically said “fisher of people.” Why? Because the qualities of a fisherman—patience, persistence, discernment, and resilience—are the same qualities needed in spiritual ministry.
Fishing involves casting a net into deep, often unknown waters, not knowing what you’ll bring up. Some days, you might catch plenty. Other days, you might catch nothing. A fisherman keeps working, regardless of the outcome. This mirrors the unpredictability and persistence required in preaching the Gospel.
Jesus explained this truth directly in the Parable of the Net:
Mathew 13:47-48
[47]Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
[48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.”
This parable illustrates the inclusive nature of evangelism and the inevitable process of divine sorting. When the Gospel is preached, it reaches many people—some respond sincerely, some reject it, and others may seem to respond at first but fall away later (see also Matthew 13:1–23, The Parable of the Sower).
In fishing, you don’t choose what enters the net. Along with the good fish, you might also catch seaweed, debris, or even dangerous creatures. Likewise, in ministry, not everyone you reach out to will be receptive or fruitful. Some may be disinterested, others may be hostile. But that doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
One of Jesus’ own disciples, Judas Iscariot, was a thief and the one who eventually betrayed Him (see John 12:6; Luke 22:3–6). Yet Jesus still called him, loved him, and gave him opportunities to repent. Judas was not a mistake—his presence fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18).
So if even Jesus had a “Judas” in His group, don’t be surprised if not everyone you reach responds positively. Out of a hundred people you share the Gospel with, maybe only ten will receive it and grow. That doesn’t make your work any less valuable. It just means your “net” is doing its job.
As believers, especially those called into ministry, we must be careful not to become spiritual inspectors—trying to decide who is “worthy” of hearing the Gospel and who isn’t. Jesus preached to everyone: the poor, the rich, tax collectors, prostitutes, and religious leaders alike. He commanded us to do the same:
Mark 16:15
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
We are called to cast the net widely. The sorting will be done by God in His own time (see Matthew 25:31–46; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Our job is simply to preach faithfully and love unconditionally.
Ministry takes perseverance. Paul the Apostle reminds us:
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
There will be days of disappointment. Some people you disciple might walk away. Others might betray your trust. But the few who respond, grow, and bear fruit are the “good fish” that make it all worth it.
Jesus wanted His disciples to understand this principle before sending them out—so that they would not lose heart when things didn’t go as expected.
May the Lord strengthen you and encourage you as you continue to cast your net. Don’t be discouraged by those who reject or misunderstand the message. Keep going, knowing that some will be saved, and those few are precious in the eyes of God.
God bless you.
Please share this message with others who might need encouragement .
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