The story of how Peter and Andrew became disciples goes something like this: As Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he spotted the two of them casting their nets into the sea. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed.

It’s a wonderful story, but it’s probably best not to take the image of “fishing for people” too literally. After all, images are supposed to spark our imaginations, not chain them down. And the image of “fishing for people” will get you into trouble if you press it too hard.

Obviously, no fish wants to get caught—and the same goes for people. We aren’t in the business of “hooking and landing” unsuspecting congregants. We don’t need to discuss what bait to use, or strategize about what the youth are biting on this year.

The reason Jesus uses this image with Peter and Andrew is because they were fishermen. In other words, he starts out with what they knew and understood best. They may not have had a clue about discipleship, but by framing it in fishing terms, Jesus reassures them that they will be able to do it, because it’s not that much different from what they have already been doing.

If they had been construction workers, he might have said, “Follow me, and I make you builders of God’s house.” If they had been farmers, he might have said, “Follow me, and I will make you growers of people.” If they had been bankers, he might have said, “Follow me, and I will make you investors in heavenly things.”

You get the idea. The image could have been anything. The point is that Christ meets us where we are already are, and then invites us to follow.