Jesus Called Broken People

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins his public preaching ministry in Galilee with the central theme of his life and work: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 

In this chapter, he called a group of his disciples to be “fishers of men,” people who would bring other people into the kingdom of God. People who would help other people follow Jesus. Some of these men had traveled with him off and on, so they already knew him (see John 1:35–51). 

Now, Jesus was calling them to something greater in his public ministry: to fish for men and follow him full-time, leaving everything behind. 

Consider Jesus teaching his followers in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

No matter how mature spiritually you may think you are or are not, no matter what you know about your faith, if you are Jesus’ follower, you are the “salt of the earth.” You may not know much, but then neither did the disciples at this beginning of Jesus’ ministry. If you follow Jesus, you are addressed here. You are included no matter your past.

These disciples were of little account in the world’s eyes. While they were successful businessmen, Galileans were seen as second-class citizens compared to the city sophisticates in Jerusalem and Judea.

Tax collectors (who were despised by all) would join their number, as well as farmers, prostitutes, slaves, and murderers. God always uses surprising things to do his work: dust to make Adam, a rib to make Eve. A desert bush to call Moses. A slingshot to defeat Goliath. A baby in Bethlehem to save the world.

Every disciple addressed initially by these words would die a criminal’s death except one, and he became a convicted felon.

Reflect for a moment on the worse sins you’ve committed.

Do you think Jesus can use you despite your status or sinfulness?

Reflect on God’s grace to use us to accomplish his works (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Would you be willing to leave everything behind to radically follow him like his disciples? 

Maybe you’ve been a Christian for years but have never shared the gospel or discipled someone. 

Jesus is calling you fishers of men.