As I began reading Mark this week, which I’ve read many times before, this time it was as though the theme of evangelism was leaping out of the text at me.

I wouldn’t call myself a very active evangelist, and it isn’t something that comes naturally to me. I like getting involved with my church’s Easter outreach events and occasional other things, but I don’t find many natural opportunities for sharing the good news of Jesus in my daily life. There probably are times when I could share, but I just don’t feel bold enough, or even just motivated, to do it, I confess.

I can easily sideline evangelism as something for those who seem more gifted at it, and therefore as something that can be a low priority in my walk as a follower of Jesus. But as I read Mark this week, it felt like it was challenging where my soul had stagnated on this topic.

As I read Mark 1:16–17 this week, I was struck by Jesus’ words to His disciples as He called them to follow Him.

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He calls them to follow Him, to fish for people. It is apparent that this is their primary purpose that flows out of following Him. Can I really say I’m a true disciple of Jesus if evangelism isn’t one of my core values as a Christian?

Jesus’ call to the disciples is intriguing. As fishermen, they are familiar with fishing, but I’m sure they must have wondered, How will this work? It would appear that Jesus immediately shows them, as seen in Mark 1:21–28.

They went into the town where they would find people, and Jesus began to teach. His teaching amazed them because He taught with authority. He then further displayed His power and authority by casting out a demon, which again caused amazement. He doesn’t tell the people who He is; He shows them that He is not like any religious or messianic figure they have encountered before. His words are truth and life, and He has authority over the kingdom of darkness. Note that this leads to news about Him spreading quickly over the whole region of Galilee (Mark 1:28, NIV).

I know that when I go into town, it does not cause such a stir!

It left me wondering: how, in my life, can I partner with God in a way that would show other people who Jesus is and leave them totally amazed at who He is? Not able to dismiss Him or forget about Him, but totally awestruck at this man, the Son of God, who is not like anyone or anything they have encountered before.

I’m not sure yet, but as a disciple of Jesus, He has called me to fish for people, and I want to partner with Him to do that. I feel that this looks different in different stages of life. For me, I know I can’t always go out onto the streets, as I just don’t have the energy. But perhaps part of fishing for people, in this season of my life, is learning how to use the gifts God has given me—whether through conversations, acts of kindness, or writing—to point people towards Jesus. I’m still contemplating what that fully looks like, but I want to go on the journey with Him and discover how He wants to work through the gifts He has given me.