As believers, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and to bring others into the kingdom of God. This calling is not just for pastors or missionaries; it is a commandment for all who follow Christ. Jesus instructed His disciples to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, NKJV), and this mandate continues for us today.
Evangelism and ministry are at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of how Jesus empowered ordinary people to spread the Gospel. In this article, we will explore the importance of evangelism, and the examples Jesus gave. How can we, as believers, fulfill this mandate in our daily lives?
Jesus’ Call to Evangelize: “Follow Me”
When Jesus called His first disciples, He extended a simple invitation: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This invitation was not just about personal transformation; it was a call to action. Jesus wanted His followers to take what they learned from Him and share it with others. He set the example by ministering to the crowds, healing the sick, and preaching the kingdom of God.
In Luke 10:2, Jesus emphasized the urgency of evangelism, saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Knowing His time on earth was limited, Jesus actively reached as many people as possible. He instilled this sense of urgency in His disciples, and it still applies to us today. People everywhere needed to hear the message of salvation. As believers, we should took up the call to be the workers in the field.
Jesus Healed and Told Others to Share
Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed miracles that changed lives. He often instructed those He healed to go and tell others about what they had experienced. A powerful example comes from the story in Mark 5, where Jesus healed a man from demon possession. After Jesus delivered him from a legion of demons, the man wanted to follow Jesus. But instead, Jesus told him: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). The man obeyed and shared his testimony with everyone he encountered, becoming an evangelist in his own right.
This story illustrates the power of personal testimony. When we share what God has done in our lives, it has the power to draw others to Him. People may argue with theology or doctrine, but they cannot deny the transformative work of Christ in someone’s life. God gives each believer a unique testimony to share with others, and as we tell our stories, we glorify Him and expand His kingdom
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
One of the key components of evangelism is relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). This same Holy Spirit empowers us today to share the Gospel with boldness and clarity. Evangelism is not something we do in our own strength; it is through the leading and power of the Holy Spirit that we can effectively minister to others.
Just as Jesus healed and instructed the healed to share their stories, we too are equipped by the Holy Spirit to testify about the goodness of God. In John 14:12, Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” This is the power of evangelism—by the Holy Spirit’s strength, we can continue the work that Jesus began, reaching people with the message of salvation.
A Prayer to Become a Fisher of Men
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You for saving me and setting me free from sin, death, hell and the curse. I thank You that I am saved, delivered, healed and set up for victory in every area of my life. Lord, I do not desire to keep this unmerited blessing to myself. I want to share the gift of Jesus with the world.
Father, You have called me to go into all the world and preach the good news of Jesus Christ. I want to honour and obey that call. So, right now in the Name of Jesus, I declare that I am a fisher of men. I am not intimidated by rejection, persecution or ridicule. I am strong in the Lord and the power of Your might. I have the mind of Christ, and I can share my testimony, without fear, with others.
I ask that You help me to be bold and courageous in sharing my faith. I ask that You make my tongue the pen of a ready writer — that You would give me the perfect words to speak to each individual. God, You know their hearts better than even they do, and You can speak right to the tender places of their spirit. I ask that You do this through me and that I would see the fruit of my labour.
Thank You for calling me to be a labourer in this precious harvest. I call in a harvest of new believers now, in Jesus’ Name!
Amen.
Receive The Anointing
When you pray this prayer to become a fisher of men, believe you receive the anointing to do so! Once you start sharing your faith, you won’t be able to stop. Remember — don’t base your results on the initial reactions of people. You are planting the Word in their hearts, and the Word of God never returns void!
