We are to be Fishers of Men. Fishermen have a variety of techniques. Some are fly fishermen. Some use live bait. Others use nets, as they did in Jesus’ time. And then there are those few who prefer noodling. Noodling is a fishing technique that is much more personal than other techniques. A noodling fisherman doesn’t fish from the safety of the shore, or from inside of the boat. He gets into the water with the fish. Without using a rod and reel, he wades into the depths where the big fish live, reaches out to the fish, getting into their personal space, until they bite his hand or foot.
At that point, the natural reaction would be to draw back, but the experienced noodler knows that if he did that, he would lose the fish. So, instead, he pushes a little deeper without hurting the fish. If he does it just right, the fish often latches onto him and is caught.
The ministry that Jesus modeled for us is very much like noodling. Jesus didn’t confine His ministry to the safety of the pulpit. He got out into the water with the “fish.” He got into people’s personal spaces without being offensive. He masterfully framed his questions to prompt the initial “bite,” and then often went deeper, addressing real issues of concern in the person’s life, and they couldn’t help being “caught” by the impact of His love. Many times, people had their lives changed after Jesus asked a question which opened up an opportunity for the person to receive the love and power of God to meet their needs.
References:
Ronca, D. (2008, September 2). How Noodling Works. Retrieved from http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/water-sports/noodling.htm
Williams, N. (2016, June 27). Extreme Noodling-Massive Hole! Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABykQcigHhM