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Fish. These finned creatures have played an important role in Christian history because Jesus used them throughout His ministry to point to the good news of His kingdom.

For example, Jesus used fish when He first called some of His disciples. Some of them were fishermen by trade, so He gave them a new job: “fishers of men†(Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11). By using an illustration from the job they already had, Jesus showed these disciples their ultimate calling to share the good news of God’s kingdom with other people—the same calling we as Christians have today.

Also, on more than one occasion, Jesus fed thousands of hungry people with just some fish and loaves of bread. In fact, the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels is when Jesus fed over five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish. This type of miracle was so important because it showed Jesus is the Savior and Provider.

These examples only scratch the surface of how Jesus used fish to point to the gospel during His three-year ministry. With the fish being such an important illustration in Jesus’ teaching, it is no surprise that early Christians—in the midst of persecution—started using a fish symbol as a secret code to identify themselves in dangerous areas.

So, the next time you see a fish, remember your true purpose and hope: being a part of the kingdom of Jesus, the One True King, Creator, Provider, and Savior. • Christine Collier

Can you think of other examples in Scripture when fish appear?

In these passages, how does God use fish to point us to the truth?

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.†Mark 1:17 (NKJV)

Read Verses:

Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21; John 16:13