By Deacon Timothy Siburg
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A
January 25, 2026
Key Verse: “And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people’” (Matthew 4:19).
My dad is a great fisher. My grandpa was a great fisher. My uncles are and were too. But somehow, somewhere along the line, I didn’t inherit that avocational gift. Maybe it has to do with the reality that my stomach never seems to agree with seafood. Or, perhaps, it has to do with that time growing up, learning to fish with my cousins and grandpa and dad in the shadow of Mount Rainier, when all I could manage to catch that day repeatedly, was my thumb and hand in the hook. Either way, chances are you are a better fisher than I am.
As strange as an introduction as that might seem given this week’s gospel story, Jesus has good news for us. Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus meets people where they are and comes alongside them, inviting them into relationship and perhaps a deeper sense of purpose and vocation.
In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus is talking to those who will be his first disciples, but he is also talking to us. He meets Simon and Andrew where they are – casting a net into the sea. Then Jesus sees James and John in a boat mending their nets, and he meets them where they are. Jesus calls each of them to follow and to use what God provides. To come and see. To walk with him. To meet their neighbors and share God’s love. Just as God meets us where we are and calls us to do the same.
There is good news this week and then some. Gospel lesson depicts Jesus’ earthly ministry moving from Nazareth to Capernaum, and specifically Zebulun and Naphtali (recalling the words of Isaiah). We hear that, “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16, quoting Isaiah 9:2). If this prophecy sounds familiar, it might be because it’s often heard on Christmas Eve. There is hope. God is doing a new thing. And as Matthew makes clear, God is doing a new thing through Jesus as he proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Mattthew 4:17).
This is an epiphany that we remember during the season of Epiphany, to be sure. It’s a new insight. God is being revealed. God is here – active, and up to something. Those first disciples hear Jesus’ call and invitation and go and see. They follow where God-in-Christ led. And what did they see? The wonders would be too many to count. A Transfiguration of the brightest light shone forth on a mountaintop. The sick are healed. The tormented are freed. The despairing receive hope. As Matthew says, “Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23).
At this point in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ earthly ministry is just beginning. And as such, he invites all who -might wonder, imagine, and witness to come and see. To join in. To use what God provides. It’s the heart of the truth of discipleship and stewardship. We may not all be fishers. But we all have gifts, passions, perspectives, and talents. All of which God entrusts into our care. All of which God provides to make life meaningful and purposeful, but also through which we might just join in with God in some of God’s on-going work of life-giving and life-changing love. In this way, perhaps we are all fishers of people as Jesus tells those first disciples.
We are fishers entrusted with the Good News. To meet God’s beloved where they are. To point to God’s presence and promise and to proclaim through word and deed that God is indeed with you, for you, and loves you. The words of Isaiah seem poignant. “You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest … For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of the oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian” (Isaiah 9:3-4). Despite the worries, pressures, uncertainty and more of this day, we are not alone. As the psalmist declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
Now there are plenty of things to worry about in this world. Neighbors are being disappeared. A rogue quasi- law enforcement agency is acting like an all-powerful entity outside of any law or restraint. There are wars and rumors of wars, conquest, and exploitation. And all creation is crying out at the dangers of climate change.
None of this week’s promises and good news can nor should detract from the realities of this pain, suffering, sin, and brokenness. But as stewards we have a role to play. Like the psalmist, because we know who God is and what God will do, we too “will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy” and “sing and make melody to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6). In spite of a world that some might say is on fire, or at least, is a dumpster fire in some ways right now, we are reminded that God comes near. God meets us in our very livelihoods and vocations. God meets us in the here and now. Just as God in Christ did those first four disciples, fishing and preparing to fish.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, just as he did the church in Corinth that it’s not about him or us. It’s about God’s love and grace for one and for all. “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel- and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18). As Paul reiterates, we belong to Christ. Because it is God in Christ who claims us and calls us. Who meets us each where we are. And who is at work with, through, for, and in us. Through our vocations and daily lives. Through all that we have and all that we are as stewards, disciples, and Children of God.
Preachers and people of God, despite it being the season of light in the church year, the world might feel a little dark right now. Don’t let the darkness win. And don’t overthink it. God’s promise and presence are true. And you matter because you are beloved, known, claimed, and called. For Jesus says to you and invites you this day, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.”
Worship and Congregational Life
It is annual meeting season in many congregations. Perhaps your Annual Meeting falls on this Sunday or nearby on the calendar. If so, perhaps use the message of this week’s gospel lesson to frame the meeting. To name some “God sightings” from the past year, and some “God wonderings” for the year ahead. How might God be calling you or the whole congregation to be fishers of people? In what ways is God inviting, equipping, and empowering you to go and meet God’s beloved people where they are as signs of God’s gracious love and mercy? Using such a mindset with God-centered questions might make both for a meaningful annual meeting, and also a deeply faithful one, filled with stewardship stories and questions of God at work in, around, and through you as God’s beloved people in your community.
With Youth and Children
In the spirit of not overthinking it, it is the natural Sunday of the church year to bring back that old Sunday School song, “I Will Make You Fishers of Men.” (Change “men” to “people” or “folks,” if that makes most sense in your context.) The heart of the old song is clear. God is at work. God invites us each to join in. And that song reminds us of the joy through a peppy melody and cheery voices of the younger saints. They can lead the whole congregation in that song as part of a Children’s Message or even a hymn – full of hope and purpose. We all have a role to play, and this song might help connect some dots of faith, life, and God’s work and mission together.
Previous reflections for Epiphany 3A:
2023 – Fishing for people through spiritual relationships
2020 – Gourmet Gospel or junk food Jesus?
2017 – Fishin’ for folk
2014 – Jesus in pieces?
2011 – Immediately
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