It is interesting how many times fish stories played a part in the life and ministry of Jesus and his disciples. Most of his disciples were fisherman. After the death and resurrection of Christ, the symbol of a fish became an identifying mark of believers and their meeting places. I used to wonder if to be a Christian one had to have a fish emblem on the back of their vehicle. Space does not permit us to examine all of the fish stories in the Bible. But let’s consider some of the fish stories in the life of Jesus.

One of the most unusual fishing expeditions happened when Peter was confronted by some tax-collectors. It seems they were everywhere, about like today in our country. They were even in the temple. When Peter was asked if his master paid the temple tax, he went to Jesus. Jesus instructed Peter to take his fishing pole, go down to the lake, and the first fish he caught open its mouth and he would find a coin in it. Jesus told him, “Take the coin and pay the temple tax for himself and the Lord” (Matthew 17:24-27).

If you don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God perhaps you think that incident is just a fish story. But for those who believe, certain lessons can be inferred. First – Jesus taught us to respect and obey the civil and religious authorities to the best of our ability, even when they are not always fair and just. We also see proof of Christ’s deity and power of provision. He is able to take care of our needs as we trust and obey him.

On another occasion Jesus met some fishermen who were washing and mending their nets. A crowd of people were pressing around Jesus. Jesus got in Simon Peter’s boat and asked him to push out a way from the shore. After Jesus was done teaching the people, he told Peter to go out into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. Peter and his partners had fished all night and had caught nothing. However, acting on the word of the Lord, they lowered their nets and caught so many fish that their nets began to tear. Peter called for his partners to help him, then fell to his knees to worship the Master. (Luke 5:1-11) Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”

Some fishermen practice “catch and release” fishing. But Jesus doesn’t throw us back when we come to him and put our faith in his sacrifice on the cross for our sins. No, Jesus keeps all who come to him in faith and repentance. We become friends forever. “As soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus” (Luke 5:11 NLT). Have you left everything to follow Jesus? That’s not just a fish story – that’s true discipleship. That’s life abundant! Follow Christ. He has an out of this world plan and purpose for your life that will fill you with peace and power.