Definition: And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:2, which is a really important one! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his followers – the disciples – to follow him. He wants them to do something really significant: fish for people. Let’s unpack it further: “And Jesus said unto them…” - This is a formal way of saying "Jesus addressed them." “…Come ye after me…” - This means “come to me.” He's inviting them to join him on his journey. "...and I will make you to become fishers of men.” – This is the core of the message. It’s like saying, "You'll be trained and skilled enough to help others find God." “Fishers of men” means to catch people - to guide them to faith and understanding of Jesus Christ. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a call for discipleship – the process of learning and growing in your relationship with God. It’s about: Serving: Jesus wants his followers to be actively involved in helping others. Guidance: He's offering them a path to understanding and faith. Purpose: It suggests a grand mission – to bring people to the truth and to help them discover their own connection with God. Why is this verse important? It’s one of the earliest examples of Jesus teaching about his ministry. It's a promise that he will be with them, guiding them through life and helping them to reach out to others. It sets the stage for the rest of the Gospels – where we see Jesus actively working to help people find their way to salvation! Do you want me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Discuss the significance of "fishers of men" in more detail? Talk about how this verse relates to the broader story of Jesus’ ministry?