Commanded to be Fishers of Men
Bud Hancock draws some parralels between Jesus’ command to His disciples and His command concerning the Church today. As all my contributors are saying “The time is short, the hour is late!” Gibber! Gibber! Chugley Commanded to be Fishers of Men By Bud Hancock Introduction When Jesus the Messiah began His earthly ministry, He chose certain men to become His original twelve disciples. Though some may believe those men were simply His comrades, His traveling companions, there is much more involved in His selection than simply having nice guys to chum around with. According to the Merrian Webster Dictionary, a disciple is (1), a person who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another; (2) an adherent of a school or an individual. The word adherent is interesting since it suggests a close and persistent attachment. The twelve men chosen to become disciples became so devoted to their Lord and Saviour that they would have gladly given their lives for Him. The Twelve were a mixed bag of men from different backgrounds and pursuits; none were highly educated, with the possible exception of Luke who was a physician and a Gentile. Perhaps Jesus chose each man for his distinctive abilities, or lack thereof. We do know that, at the end of His ministry, each man, except for Judas Iscariot, was well-equipped by Jesus to complete the work assigned to him after His departure to return to the Father. Jesus ministered TO these men for three and one half years to enable them to understand their roles in the future ministry of Jesus THROUGH them. He made sure they saw His mighty works and acts of healing and other miracles, knowing that they would be enabled to do the same works, and even mightier, after His ascension to heaven. They…