Why Share the Hope of Jesus?

In Matthew 4:19 I read “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (NLT)

God has called me to be a witness for him in the world. He expects me to tell others about the hope I have in Jesus.

But many people are what I call “arctic river Christians.” They’re frozen at the mouth. They hold back or don’t say anything about Jesus. But Jesus says, “If you’re not fishing, then you’re not following me.”

The Bible says, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19 NLT)

Why does God want me to share my hope? Here are a few reasons.

Everybody needs Jesus. The Good News of Jesus is better than anything this world could offer. It’s better than the cure for cancer, AIDS, or any other sickness. When I point people to Jesus, I offer them eternal life. I show them how to have their past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. Everybody needs that!

Jesus commands it. Jesus’ Great Commission is clear: “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NLT). But, if I’m like most people, I care more about what others think than what God thinks. I am more worried about my reputation than the salvation of others. But Jesus commands me to share my hope.

I love God and people. The Bible says, “Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that [he] died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV). Love Jesus Christ with all my heart, and I love people.” Christ’s love compels me to tell others about the hope I have in him.

I will be rewarded in heaven. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise” (NKJV). If I want to bear fruit and be wise? Bring people to Jesus. If I want to leave a legacy? Make sure the people I know will be with me in heaven one day.

Right now, think of one person in my life who doesn’t know Jesus yet. Pray, “God, I want the privilege of bringing this person into your family. I want them to be in heaven because of me. Please help me not hold back anymore.”

Now, go tell them about Jesus!

In summary, God has called me to be a witness for him in the world. He expects me to tell others about the hope I have in Jesus. Unfortunately I have been frozen at the mouth, holding back or not saying anything about Jesus. Jesus says, “If you’re not fishing, then you’re not following me.” Jesus tells me, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” God wants me to share my hope? Everybody needs Jesus. The Good News of Jesus is better than anything this world could offer. It’s better than the cure for cancer, AIDS, or any other sickness. When I point people to Jesus, I offer them eternal life and show them how to have their past forgiven. They obtain a purpose for living, and to have a home in heaven. Jesus commands it. “Go and make disciples”. But, like most, I care more about what others think than what God thinks. I am more worried about my reputation than the salvation of others. But Jesus commands me to share my hope. I love God and people. Christ’s love should compel me, because I’m convinced that [he] died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV). Love Jesus Christ with all my heart, and I love people.” Christ’s love compels me to tell others about the hope I have in him. I will be rewarded in heaven. If I want to bear fruit and be wise? Bring people to Jesus. If I want to leave a legacy? Make sure the people I know will be with me in heaven. Think of one person in my life who doesn’t know Jesus yet and Pray, “God, I want the privilege of bringing this person into your family. Father help me not hold back.”

The men mentioned in this chapter already know Jesus. He had talked to Peter and Andrew previously and had been preaching in the area. When Jesus called them, they knew what kind of man he was and were willing to follow him. Jesus told Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing business and begin fishing "for people," helping others find God. Jesus was calling them away from their productive trade to be productive spiritually. We all need to fish for souls. If I practice Christ's teachings and share the Good News with others, I will be able to draw those around me to Christ like a fisherman who pulls fish into his boat with nets.