Why so many fishing stories?

Certain hobbies that have stuck with me most of my life. 

Playing basketball, riding bikes, and mowing the yard all fall into that category. (Yes, I’m one of those strange people who actually enjoys mowing the yard.)

Then there are hobbies that came and went in a short season. 

Golf and fishing land in that category. I gave both a try for a couple of years, but eventually lost interest—or patience—or both.

My fishing phase was in middle school. 

My dad bought each of us a Zebco rod and reel. We didn’t have any real experience, so our plan was simple: grab a carton of worms, walk to a pond or small lake, and hope for a big catch from the shore.

One day stands out. My friend Jimmy and I were out fishing when I got a little overzealous with my casting. Without realizing it, I’d snagged a bush behind me. When I jerked the rod forward, the hook came loose—and lodged itself right in the middle of my back.

That, more or less, ended my fishing career.

So why am I talking about fishing?

Because this week I’ve been thinking about Jesus’ relationship with Peter, James, and John. And from what I can find, the Gospels highlight three key fishing moments with them:

1. The Calling of the Fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20)
Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John while they’re fishing. They drop their nets immediately and follow Him.

2. The Miraculous Catch at the Call (Luke 5:1–11)
Jesus borrows Peter’s boat to teach the crowds. Then He tells them to lower the nets again, and they haul in so many fish that two boats nearly sink. Peter, James, and John are amazed. Jesus says, “From now on you will fish for people.”

3. The Miraculous Catch in Galilee (John 21:1–14)
After the resurrection, several disciples go fishing but catch nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus (at first unrecognized) tells them to throw the net on the right side of the boat. This time they pull in 153 large fish. It’s in this setting that Jesus reinstates Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.”

Each of those stories is packed with meaning, but here’s the simple thing that stood out to me:

Why did Jesus choose to meet them in the world of fishing?

Because it was familiar. It was their normal, everyday life. Jesus knew He could teach them about God, faith, and leadership more effectively in their element than in any other setting.

If Jesus were calling me the way He did Peter, James, and John, maybe the story would read: “Jesus was walking beside the basketball court, and He called out to Brian, ‘Come, follow me.’”

Or maybe He’d jump in the game and dominate us all like Uncle Drew in those old Nike commercials.

And here’s a truth: (I think this is true for every generation, but especially for young people.)

People don’t just want to hear about Jesus inside a church auditorium or tucked away in a basement. They want to see Him at work in the real world—where they study, where they hang out, where they work, where they play.

If we really want to help the next generation follow Jesus, then we have to be willing to meet them right where they are. In their everyday, ordinary spaces. Just like Jesus met Peter, James, and John in theirs.

And here’s the bonus: when we do that, it’s not just good for them—it’s good for us too. Our own faith comes alive when we see Jesus showing up in the middle of our work, our play, and our connections. 

We’re reminded that following Him was never meant to be confined to a building, but lived out in the real world, together.

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