“FISHERS OF PEOPLE IN A DIGITAL AGE”

Matthew 4:12–22; 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 02/01/2026

Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” This calling has never changed. What has changed is the sea in which we fish.

In the time of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee was the workplace of fishermen. Nets, boats, wind, and waves were the tools of their calling. Today, we live in a world shaped by technology—smartphones, the internet, social media, and even artificial intelligence. This is the sea in which people now live, think, and communicate. The question before the church is not whether technology exists, but how we will faithfully follow Jesus within it.

The Calling Remains the Same: When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, He did not give them a method first—He gave them a relationship. “Follow Me,” He said. Only then did He promise, “I will make you fishers of people.”

This order is essential. The power of ministry does not come from tools, strategies, or technologies, but from following Christ. Technology cannot call disciples. Technology cannot forgive sins. It cannot replace fellowship in love and care. Of course, technology cannot replace prayer, repentance, or the work of the Holy Spirit.

In today’s Epistle lesson, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the message of the cross sounds foolish to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. God chose a way the world considers weak and foolish to bring salvation, showing that God’s wisdom is greater than human wisdom and God’s power is greater than human strength (1 Corinthians 1:18–25).

Worship, fellowship, and the invitation to the church may look foolish to worldly people, but God chose these very things to bring salvation. Salvation comes not through human wisdom or innovation, but through God’s power working through the proclamation of the gospel.

Technology as Nets, Not the Fisher: Fishermen use nets, but nets do not fish by themselves. A net must be cast by a fisherman who knows the sea, the timing, and the purpose of the catch. In the same way, technology is only a net—it is never the fisherman.

Livestreams, church websites, printed sermons, Bible apps, online Bible studies, and even artificial intelligence can help spread information and open doors for connection. These tools can support the church’s mission, but they can never replace the living witness of believers, the gathered worship of the church, or the shepherding care of pastors and elders.

Jesus did not say, “I will give you better nets.” He said, “I will make you.” The transformation happens in the person, not in the tool.

The Digital Sea Is Full of People: Today, many people are lonely, confused, anxious, and spiritually hungry. They may never walk into a church building, but they scroll through their phones every day. They search online for meaning, hope, and truth. This is not an accident. God has placed the church in this time and generation for a reason.

Just as Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He now sends us into digital spaces—not to replace the church, but to invite people into the life of the church. Technology can be a bridge, but it must lead somewhere: to Christ, to community, to discipleship, and to worship. If we pray and seek, I am sure there are people waiting for our invitation to Jesus and to our church.

If our online presence only informs but never forms disciples, then we have missed the purpose. If it gathers attention but not people, content but not communion, then it is not fishing—it is drifting.

Discernment, Training, and Patience: Fishing requires patience, training, and discernment. The same is true in ministry today. Not every method fits every situation. Not every message is received the same way. We must pray for wisdom to know when to speak, how to speak, and where to cast the net.

Technology can amplify our voice, but it can also distract us. It can spread truth, but it can also spread division and pride. That is why spiritual maturity is more important than technical skill. Our emotions, preferences, and convenience must follow God’s Word—not lead it.

God’s Word is the locomotive that sets the direction and leads the way. Faith is the fuel that gives it power to move forward. Technology and our feelings are tools; they are only the train cars being pulled along behind. They can carry helpful things, but they cannot lead. When tools try to lead instead of God’s Word, the train derails. When Scripture leads and faith fuels, everything moves toward God’s purpose. Please do not follow our feelings to come to God.

The Church Cannot Be Replaced: No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot baptize, share the Lord’s Supper, comfort the grieving with presence, or restore the fallen through love and accountability. The church is the body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit works through gathered believers.

That is why technology must always serve the church—not replace it. We must still gather. We must still pray together. We must still train disciples face to face. We must still go, invite, teach, and love in real fellowship and relationships. Updated technology can help us reach farther, but only faithful disciples can lead others to Jesus.

A Call to Faithful Obedience: Jesus is still calling: “Follow Me.” He is calling us not to chase trends, but to obey Him faithfully. Not to rely on our feelings, but to trust the Word of God. Not to hide behind screens, but to use every God-given means to bring people to Jesus.

Pray this year that God will use you—your words, your time, your presence, and even your technology—to care for and pray for at least one person, leading them to become a committed follower of Jesus or bringing at least one soul to Christ and into the life of the church.

Whether you eat or drink, post or speak, work or rest, do all for the glory of God. Become a fisher of people—not by human wisdom, but by the power of God working through faithful obedience. May it be so for you and for me! Amen.