'Fishers of men'

'The Savior's invitation to "follow" is ultimately a challenge to become like him.'

31 Dec 2009, 12:00 a.m. MST

In the painting "Boy Jesus in the Temple" by Grant Romney Clawson, 12-year-old Jesus diligently goes about doing the work of His Heavenly Father. Intellectual Reserve Inc.

By Church News Archives

As Jesus walked alone along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he said to the fishermen Peter and his brother Andrew, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19-20).

In Harry Anderson's painting "Sermon on the Mount," the Savior is portrayed teaching His disciples. He imparted gospel knowledge that enabled them to more faithfully follow Him. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

They answered his divine call. "And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."

The Savior's invitation to "follow" is ultimately a challenge to become like Him — to develop His characteristics. Such an invitation applies as much to us as to the Apostles of old.

When a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee threatened to sink their boat, as portrayed in the painting "Stilling the Storm" by Ted Henninger, Christ's disciples pled with Him to save them. His love for them was demonstrated as He calmed the storm and their fears. | Intellectual Reserve Inc.

"Jesus Blessing Jairus's Daughter" by Greg K. Olsen shows the Savior with the young maiden. Her pare — "Jesus Blessing Jairus's Daughter" by Greg K. Olsen shows the Savior with the young maiden. | Intellectual Reserve Inc.

President Thomas S. Monson said: "May we ever be guided by the supreme Exemplar, even the son of Mary, the Savior Jesus Christ — whose very life provided a perfect model for us to follow."

Jesus often spent time with children, as portrayed in "Christ and the Children" by Harry Anderson. He admonished everyone to be humble like children. | Intellectual Reserve Inc.

In "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler" by Heinrich Hoffmann, Jesus tells a rich young ruler what he must do to have eternal life. The young ruler was unwilling to offer full obedience. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

He continues: "Down through the generations of time, the message from Jesus has been the same. To Peter and Andrew by the shores of the beautiful Sea of Galilee, He said, 'Follow me.' To Philip of old came the call, 'Follow me.' To the Levite who sat at receipt of customs came the instruction, 'Follow me.' And to you and to me, if we but listen, will come that same beckoning invitation, 'Follow me.' May we all do so and reap the eternal rewards reserved for those who follow the path that He marked by His exemplary life" ("They Marked the Path to Follow," Liahona, Oct 2007, 2–7).