Intentionality on the Field and in Faith

One thing every coach looks for is intentionality. Nobody drifts into greatness. You don’t just accidentally show up at the top of your game. You train with purpose. You study film, correct mistakes, set goals, and go after them with focus.

Jesus operated the same way—but on a spiritual level. In Matthew 4:19, He said: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

That wasn’t a casual statement—it was a calling with direction.

He didn’t say, “Follow Me and maybe you’ll figure it out.” He said, “I will make you…” That means transformation. Purpose. Intentional development. Just like in sports, growth in your faith takes time, training, and commitment.

Let us look at three things from Jesus’ words from Matthew 4:19:
    1.    The call to follow
    2.    The promise to make
    3.    The mission to fish

I. The Call to Follow – “Follow Me”
In Greek, akoloutheō—follow—means to join someone on the road, to submit to their lead. When Jesus called these fishermen, He wasn’t just offering a new job. He was inviting them into a new way of life.

1 John 2:6 says: “Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.”

Think about it—Jesus didn’t just say “believe in Me,” He said “follow Me.” That’s movement. That’s action.

In sports, who you follow matters. Follow the right training, the right coach, the right example—and you grow. Follow laziness, pride, or distractions—and you decline.

Who are you following right now—on and off the field?
Are you following Jesus with intention or just wearing the uniform?

II. The Promise to Make – “I Will Make You”
This is the heart of the message. Jesus promises transformation. The Greek word for “make” (poieō) means to produce, to create, to shape.

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for available people. If you’ll follow Him, He’ll shape you.

No athlete starts day one as a champion. The best players are made—by coaches, by reps, by hard lessons.

You may not feel like you’re strong enough in your faith yet. Good news—Jesus says He will make you. You’re in process. Let Him work. Let Him mould you into His determined design for you.

What’s Jesus working on in your life right now?
Are you resisting or cooperating with the shaping?

III. The Mission to Fish – “Fishers of Men”
Jesus used their everyday livelihoods to point to their eternal purpose. They knew fishing—so He said, “Now I’ll train you to fish for souls.”

Proverbs 11:30 – “He who wins souls is wise.”

2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

This is the multiplication principle. Jesus isn’t just making disciples—He’s making disciple-makers.

Who are you investing in? On your team, in your family, across campus? You’re not just here to play—you’re here to influence.

Just like a veteran player mentors a freshman—Jesus wants you to pass on what you’ve received. The win isn’t just scoring for yourself—it’s helping someone else grow.

Who are you helping grow spiritually right now?
Are you “fishing” with your life, or just floating?

IV. Jesus on Mission – Intentional Encounters (John 4)
In John 4, it says, “Jesus had to go through Samaria.” That was intentional. No Jewish teacher went that route—but Jesus did. Why? Because there was a woman at a well who needed Him. And a whole village that would believe.

John 4:35 – “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

Jesus wasn’t distracted by the day’s schedule. He was focused on eternal things. He saw people—not just problems. Do you?

Let me ask you… Are you spiritually alert? Are your eyes up, or are you just focused on yourself?

Get this... Jesus didn’t just say follow Me--
He went to the cross so we could follow.
He lived a perfect life.
He died the death we deserved.
He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

If you’ve never made that decision--today is the day to follow Him.

He doesn’t just want to forgive you—He wants to make you new.

So here’s the challenge to every athlete:
Jesus doesn’t call us to casual belief. He calls us to committed, intentional following.
Let Him lead. Let Him shape you. Let Him send you.
Like a great coach—Jesus sees what you can become, not just what you are.

Howard Hendricks said: “You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them up close.”

Jesus got close. Now He says, “Follow Me. I will make you.”

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus—our example, our Savior, our Lord. You didn’t leave us to figure it out on our own. You called us. You promise to make us. Help us be intentional—on the field, in our faith, and with our influence. Form us into who You want us to be. Use our gifts, our passion, and even our struggles to bring glory to You. Help us see the people You want us to reach. Give us the boldness to go, and the humility to grow. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.

Remember… “Jesus doesn’t just call us to follow—He promises to make us new.” Let’s live like that. On purpose. On mission. For His glory.

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