“One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living.” – Matthew 4:18
It wasn’t by chance Jesus’ first partners in ministry were fishermen. Some of the same qualities that make a good fisherman are also qualities that make a good evangelist.
A fisherman needs to have patience because he knows that it often takes time to find a school of fish. Fishermen must have perseverance because you typically don’t fill the boat with your first cast. Fishermen must have a good instinct for where to fish and when to fish. Fishermen must also have courage because the storm is oftentimes the best time to catch fish, but it requires courage to fish when waves are crashing all around you.
When Jesus walked up on these boys in Matthew 4, the Bible says He saw two fishermen. He saw two brothers. But something special happened when Jesus locked eyes with them. He came to them, and He SAW them.
The word ‘SAW’ in the Greek is a word that speaks of more than just a quick glance…it is a word used to describe a gaze. It means that when Jesus looked at them, He perceived something…He realized something.
In other words, when Jesus saw Andrew and Simon, He saw more than their personality. He saw their potential. He saw what they could become. What a great reminder for us today! Think about that…Jesus doesn’t just see us as we are; He sees what we can become!
He saw more than fisherman that day; He saw what they could and would become. Peter would become a rock and great preacher of the gospel. Andrew would become a great soul-winner. James would become the first martyr of the twelve, and John would become the Apostle of love.
Jesus does not just care about who you are right now; He cares about who you are becoming. He sees beyond your current circumstances and looks to your potential. He saw in these flawed disciples what no one else could see. And He sees the same thing in you!
No matter who you are or what you have done, Jesus wants to do a great work in your life! He SEES you, and He loves you anyway. Are you ready to give your life to be the disciple He is calling you to be?