Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing – Matthew 4:12-23
I remember one vacation on a beautiful chain of lakes up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. For weeks before we left, my husband, Dave and son, Dan, spent hours searching for the right lures, preparing the fishing pole lines, and studying the lake in advance for prime fishing spots. They were certainly ready to go after the fish. Problem was, once we got there, we found out that Dave forgot to load his suitcase of clothes into the car. It was easy to see his priorities. Thank goodness for the local Walmart. We have not let him forget this.
Let me start by saying that this sermon is not about taking a day or a week away from everything. Though that does sound very appealing. I am talking more about getting ready to fish.
Matthew tells us that when Jesus hears John has been arrested, he moves full speed ahead. Not toward safety. Not back to Nazareth. But toward Galilee—toward the edges, toward Jerusalem where politics, culture, and faith overlap. He goes toward fishermen and mixed-up borders. That’s how this story begins—not with a sermon, not with a miracle, but with a move. Something we likely haven’t noticed. Jesus relocates his life. Away from his home. Jesus goes where things are complicated. I’m thinking we would rather go where life is simpler, less stressful.
And then—almost immediately—Jesus starts calling people. No applications, interviews or background checks. Of course he doesn’t need them. Just: “Follow me.” First up he sees Simon and Andrew are fishing. James and John are working with their father. Ordinary people doing ordinary work. “Follow me, “Jesus says. And Matthew says something astonishing: “Immediately they left their nets.”
Today when we change our lives so drastically, we might do a pros and cons list. We might talk to people we know. We likely go back and forth ad nauseum. Not these men. Immediately they left what they were doing to follow Jesus. Now, let’s be honest. This part can sound unrealistic, even irresponsible. Who leaves their livelihood because a stranger walks by? But maybe this isn’t about impulsiveness. Maybe it’s about recognition. Maybe when Jesus says, “Follow me,” something in them already knows this voice. Maybe they have been waiting for a life that feels larger than survival.
We don’t know much about Jesus in his young adulthood. As we’ve seen, he obviously studied scripture. And spent time readying himself for his mission and ultimate sacrifice. Then he sought out his disciples.
Certainly, if Jesus prepared for a life following God, we need to do the same. Where do we start? Let us begin by waiting in silence for God. Psalm 62:6 reminds us, “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” It is only God who saves us. It is only God who forgives. It is only God who is our rock. No matter what happens, God is our fortress, protecting us. “I shall never be shaken.” How comforting those words must have been to Jesus. To know that God was ever present for him.
I recently learned about two teenage boys from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who last fall became real-life heroes when they spotted a kidnapped 5-year-old girl while riding their bicycles. Temar Boggs, 15, and his friend noticed a suspicious car and decided to follow it — pedaling fast for nearly 15 minutes through winding streets. Their determination paid off when the driver finally stopped and released the frightened girl. Thanks to their quick thinking, courage, and caring, Jocelyn Rojas was safely reunited
Can we take heart from the heroics of two teenagers and reach out when we feel like we can barely stand on our own feet? Yes, oh yes. Because we are both prepared and empowered by the Holy Spirit for God’s work. We can be ready to be fishers of people, if we are bold in Christ. As we move forward with this new year of 2026, let us hope and pray that we will work together for the good of all, loving each other as neighbors.
If you feel you’re living on the edge of life—geographically, emotionally, spiritually—that may be exactly where and when Christ shows up. Jesus calls people in the middle of real life, not after it’s cleaned up. Your work, your routines, your unfinished business—none of that disqualifies you. Following Jesus often means releasing what once kept you safe.
The nets are familiar. The call is deeper.
So, listen closely. Because even now, on an ordinary day, in the middle of your life, the light of Jesus is still moving, his voice is still calling, and God’s kingdom is coming near. Thanks be to God. Amen.