January 25, 2026
In this morning’s Gospel, Matthew gives us an interesting piece of information. He tells us that the disciples, who were fishermen, were “mending their nets” when Jesus called them (4:21). They had holes in their nets, so they had to mend them to keep the fish from getting away.
Matthew says Jesus called the disciples to be fishers of men. That meant that instead of casting nets to catch fish, they’d use God’s Word, teaching and preaching to lead others to repentance of their sins and faith in Jesus.
God sent His Son to mend the broken relationship between Him and us. Our sin destroyed that perfect relationship. But Jesus’ death on the cross has mended the relationship and made it whole again by taking away the sins of the world. And your baptism into Jesus’ death washes away all those sins that were yours. God sees us as perfect, whole, and complete in Christ. The relationship is mended so beautifully that God calls us His sons and daughters. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. He will never throw us away.
Heavenly Father, in Jesus, You have mended our relationship with You. You see us as Your sons and daughters and hold us near as a father holds His children. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may live in this baptismal joy, knowing nothing can separate us from You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.