"Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” - Matthew 4:19
With these words, Jesus calls his very first disciples.
At first blush, his meaning seems plain. We think we know where Jesus is going with this.
For many of us, the image of catching fish is a familiar one. Without prompting, scenes of boats rocking in the water, nets being cast, and the pull of a catch fill our minds. Applying this metaphor to people seems straightforward. But is it?
On the surface, the call feels like a simple play on words. However, when we reflect on what “fishing for people” would actually entail, it dawns on us that Jesus is not merely calling them to a new task—He’s inviting them to an entirely new way of life.
They imagine an evolution to their current vocation, but Jesus’s invitation is far more radical. His aim, in fact, is to blow open the small vision they have for their lives. The goal is not an evolution, but a new creation—the complete and total transformation of their hearts, their wills, their goals, and their future. If you follow me, the horizon for your life will be far bigger and wider and more beautiful than anything you could have imagined.
The call is ultimately one of discipleship—following Jesus, and letting Him reshape our lives. And at the heart of this discipleship is a life of profound adventure. The image Jesus paints is meant to awaken in us dreams our souls have long forgotten—dreams of walking with God on a journey toward a destiny “hidden in Him from all eternity.” It is upon the waters of this vision that God calls all believers. Friends, as those before us, will we follow?
Unfortunately, people often confuse busyness with discipleship. But this is not Jesus’s vision. His is far more penetrating—it is not about mere activity; it is about internal transformation. “Spiritual” busyness not anchored in Christ’s vision leads to clutter and exhaustion. But practices and rhythms deeply rooted in surrender, obedience, and commitment to the priorities and heart of Christ lead to fullness and contentment. Scripture is clear: When we follow Jesus, our yokes will be easier and our burdens lighter. The waters of discipleship are indeed waters of shalom—peace, joy, and wholeness.
This year, it is on this adventure of discipleship that we will embark. Jesus called us to follow Him not merely to evolve our lives, but to reshape them entirely. Into new life He is calling us. In 2026, our response as New Mercy Palisades Church will be, Jesus, wherever You lead… I Will Follow.
At first blush, his meaning seems plain. We think we know where Jesus is going with this.
For many of us, the image of catching fish is a familiar one. Without prompting, scenes of boats rocking in the water, nets being cast, and the pull of a catch fill our minds. Applying this metaphor to people seems straightforward. But is it?
On the surface, the call feels like a simple play on words. However, when we reflect on what “fishing for people” would actually entail, it dawns on us that Jesus is not merely calling them to a new task—He’s inviting them to an entirely new way of life.
They imagine an evolution to their current vocation, but Jesus’s invitation is far more radical. His aim, in fact, is to blow open the small vision they have for their lives. The goal is not an evolution, but a new creation—the complete and total transformation of their hearts, their wills, their goals, and their future. If you follow me, the horizon for your life will be far bigger and wider and more beautiful than anything you could have imagined.
The call is ultimately one of discipleship—following Jesus, and letting Him reshape our lives. And at the heart of this discipleship is a life of profound adventure. The image Jesus paints is meant to awaken in us dreams our souls have long forgotten—dreams of walking with God on a journey toward a destiny “hidden in Him from all eternity.” It is upon the waters of this vision that God calls all believers. Friends, as those before us, will we follow?
Unfortunately, people often confuse busyness with discipleship. But this is not Jesus’s vision. His is far more penetrating—it is not about mere activity; it is about internal transformation. “Spiritual” busyness not anchored in Christ’s vision leads to clutter and exhaustion. But practices and rhythms deeply rooted in surrender, obedience, and commitment to the priorities and heart of Christ lead to fullness and contentment. Scripture is clear: When we follow Jesus, our yokes will be easier and our burdens lighter. The waters of discipleship are indeed waters of shalom—peace, joy, and wholeness.
This year, it is on this adventure of discipleship that we will embark. Jesus called us to follow Him not merely to evolve our lives, but to reshape them entirely. Into new life He is calling us. In 2026, our response as New Mercy Palisades Church will be, Jesus, wherever You lead… I Will Follow.