 |
I understand why the Cross is
considered a Christian symbol. What does the fish mean? |
The initial letters of the Greek
phrase "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior" form the Greek word ICHTHUS, which
means "fish." This symbol was used by believers in the early days of persecution
as a secret sign of their shared faith. One person would draw an arc in the sand, and the
other would complete the sign to show his brotherhood in Christ. (Source: Symbols
in Christian Art and Architecture)
The ICHTHUS fish also serves as a
reminder of some of the miracles performed by Jesus:
The first disciples of Jesus were fishermen. He went
out with them on their boat. All day the fishermen caught nothing. After Jesus
finished speaking to them, He directed the fishermen to cast their nets. So many
fish were caught in the nets that they broke! A second ship came to help and both
ships were filled so full that they sunk a little under the weight of them all!
(Luke 5:1-11; John 21:1-11)
A multitude of 5,000 people followed after Jesus into a
desert. The only food about was five loaves of bread and two fish! Jesus
blessed the food and all there were fed!
(Matthew 14:1-21;
Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:5-15)
A multitude of 4,000 people went into the mountains to be
with Jesus. After three days there was very little food about. Jesus asked his
disciples how much food they had. They answered that they had seven loaves of bread
and a few little fishes. Jesus blessed the food and all there were fed!
(Matthew 7:29-39;
Mark 8:1-10)
The tax collector in Capernaum demanded Jesus pay taxes.
Jesus told Peter to go to the sea and fish. He told Peter that when he caught
the first fish he should open its mouth and take out the gold coin he would find there and
go pay the tax for himself and for Jesus.
(Matthew 17:24-27)
Further, the fish embodies the concept
that Christians are to be fishers of men, like the first disciples. (Luke 5:10) We
are to be about our Lord's business bringing the Gospel to others and leading them to the
path of salvation through Christ.
Back to Top
| 
