Fishing For Men – Expedition Six

The sixth fishing expedition is astonishing. A man in Capernaum—well-off, well-dressed, and highly connected—is about to have his life turned upside down. He’s the son of the powerful Alphaeus and has been commissioned, trusted, and protected by Rome to collect taxes from the people of Israel. Perhaps he’s been following Jesus from a distance, weighing the cost of discipleship. There’s a lot to leave behind—his home, income, status, and security. But what if Jesus could offer something greater? Let’s find out what he discovers.

Questions from your reading

• Where is Jesus fishing?
• What do we know about tax collectors?
• How do you visualise this banquet?
• What were Jesus’ disciples learning?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

This moment is closely tied to yesterday’s fishing expedition. It’s possible Matthew had been nearby, maybe even pressing his face to a window as Jesus confronted the unbelief of the religious leaders. Perhaps he heard something that changed everything.

Matthew didn’t lack much—he had wealth, property, fine clothing, and social influence. But there was one thing he didn’t possess: forgiveness. And that’s what he witnessed Jesus offering, in both word and miraculous deed. It was exactly what he needed.

Then Jesus walked the streets of Capernaum and saw him. “Follow me,” he said. No sweeter words had ever been spoken to this hated tax collector. Despised by his people, seen as a traitor and a collaborator with Rome, Matthew’s only companions were other tax collectors and so-called ‘sinners.’ But Jesus didn’t shrink back. He took a risk—socially, reputationally, even spiritually in the eyes of the self-righteous. He went to Matthew’s house and shared a meal with his friends.

Jesus’ reputation took a hit that day. Some even coined a saying about him—“a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:34). Meant as an insult, Jesus wore it as a badge of honour.

What about you? Is anyone calling you a friend of sinners? Or do you keep your distance from those who might damage your clean image? Whose reputation are you more concerned about—yours or Jesus’? He embraced the outcasts so completely that they knew they were loved. That’s how he can be a friend to you too.

He humbled himself beyond what we can imagine—stepping into a sin-sick world to save people like Matthew, like us. The challenge isn’t to mirror the sin of others, but to love them in spite of it. Jesus walked among sinners without falling into sin himself (Heb. 4:15). So stay rooted in him, draw on his wisdom, and walk into the world with courage and compassion.

Applying what you’ve read

Matthew followed Jesus—and then threw a party. Be ready for that. After your fishing expedition, someone might come to Jesus with excitement and want to introduce him to their family and friends. They may even want your help. What a privilege!

Be ready to follow up. Don’t miss the moment. Talking about fishing for people is not the same as doing it. Don’t hesitate—step out with courage and invite others to “come and see.” This is your chance to see God move powerfully as you share the Good News.

Spend time praying together for those you’ll follow up with. The harvest is ready (John 4:35). Throw out the net—and experience the joy of catching people for Jesus.

Want to go deeper?

If you enjoyed this Bible reading plan, we'd love you to let us know! You can also find out about further training and resources Power to Change has available to help you level up as a disciple maker who is confident to WIN people to Jesus, BUILD them in the faith, and SEND them out in the power of the Holy Spirit to do the same.

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