Continuing the previous reflection, the passage in Matthew 4:18–19 about Simon and Andrew being called to become fishers of men can also be viewed through the lens of human relationships. Before exploring its implications for interpersonal relationships, let us examine the fishing-net analogy in its cultural context. For fishermen, casting a net is a way to make a living from the sea. But philosophically, from the perspective of the targeted sea creatures, being caught in a net is never good. Being trapped by a fisherman’s net means the end of life for those creatures. Thus, the net is their enemy to be avoided.
The horror of the fishing net is also mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:12: “For man does not know his time. Like fish caught in a fatal net, and like birds caught in a snare, so are the children of men ensnared at an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them.” Here, the net is depicted as something harmful, like an animal trap. The analogy points to a sudden misfortune that befalls a person. A fish never knows when the net will suddenly come; likewise, humans do not know when suffering will strike. A net never brings anything pleasant to those it captures.
Returning to Matthew 4:18–19, Jesus’ invitation to Simon and Andrew to become fishers of men does not speak only of honor and comfort. Indeed, being entrusted by God with the task of gathering others is a privilege, but it carries an implied discomfort. Just as sea creatures avoid the net, so souls to be “netted” will not welcome those who seek them. They may even view them as enemies, as fish view the net. Jesus warned His disciples they would suffer persecution (Luke 21:12) and even be put to death (John 16:2). The call to be fishers of men is a heavy challenge. It carries consequences: being disliked, shunned, ostracized, and even killed for speaking the truth. This invitation is a “hot potato” for anyone who accepts it—you must carry it to its goal or be burned by it. Those who accept this call must finish the task well or not at all.
The call to be fishers of men for the disciples is the same call for us. We are called to be a blessing to souls and gather them into God’s Kingdom. But as we have seen, this task is not easy. We will face collisions, waves of disapproval, and even marginalization when we act as “fishers.” On one side is honour and glory that await; on the other side are hardship and suffering in fulfilling it.
As we strive to bless others, we may encounter suspicion or dislike. For example, maintaining our integrity may prompt others to view us as troublemakers, or helping those in need may be misinterpreted as seeking favor. In any case, our actions may become subjects of gossip. This is the logical outcome: acts that reveal the truth often meet with resistance.
Our relationships may be strained when we answer God’s call to be fishers of men. In those moments, we may doubt and be tempted to retreat, thinking our efforts are futile. But as Paul says in Galatians 6:9, let us not grow weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season. There is no crown without a cross, no glory without suffering.