Mortification - 12 Men Lyrics
Lyrics
Jesus called the fishermen
Asked the to follow Him
Become fishers of men
12 men, followed Him
Jesus calls the modern man
Asks them to follow Him
They won't ever be the same again
You can be a fisherman
Ask them to follow Him
They won't ever be the same again
Video
12 Men
Meaning & Inspiration
Mortification’s "12 Men," released on January 1, 2004, as part of their album *Brain Cleaner*, delivers a straightforward yet profoundly powerful message, challenging every individual to consider the call of discipleship. This track distills the essence of Christian invitation and transformation into a compelling narrative, moving from the historical call of Jesus to a present-day personal summons to action. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of a simple message, presented with a clarity that resonates deeply with anyone grappling with their faith journey or seeking to understand the core tenets of following Christ.
The song immediately draws listeners back to the foundational moments of Christianity, recounting Jesus's initial encounter with the fishermen. The words evoke the scene described in Matthew 4:19 and Mark 1:17, where Jesus invites Simon Peter and Andrew, declaring, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." This pivotal moment marked a radical shift in their lives, transforming their earthly occupation into a spiritual mission. The twelve men who followed Him then embarked on a journey that would forever alter the course of history, demonstrating an obedience that serves as an enduring example of commitment and faith. Their response wasn't merely a casual agreement but a complete reorientation of their existence, leaving behind their nets and livelihoods to embrace a divine purpose.
The narrative then seamlessly transitions to the contemporary era, posing the question of Jesus's call to the "modern man." This shift is critical, as it bridges the gap between ancient scripture and present-day reality, asserting that the invitation of Christ is not confined to the past but actively extends to every individual today. Just as the fishermen of Galilee were asked to abandon their former lives, so too is modern humanity called to follow Him, with the promise that "They won't ever be the same again." This profound transformation is a hallmark of true discipleship, mirroring the scriptural truth found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Embracing this call means a spiritual renewal, a reordering of priorities, and a commitment to living a life aligned with Christ's teachings, signifying a radical departure from the old self and an embracing of a new identity in faith.
The ultimate stanza elevates the message from a personal call to a universal commission, asserting, "You can be a fisherman / Ask them to follow Him / They won't ever be the same again." This statement is a direct empowerment, shifting the role from the one being called to the one who now calls others. It directly echoes the Great Commission given in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Mortification's lyrics beautifully articulate that every believer, having experienced the transformative power of Christ, is now equipped and commanded to share this life-changing message. This isn't merely about proselytizing; it’s about inviting others into the same profound transformation that occurs when one genuinely follows Jesus. The song thus serves as a powerful reminder that the work of "fishing for men" is an ongoing, active mandate for all who claim Christ as Lord, promising that those who respond to this contemporary invitation will also experience an irreversible, spiritual metamorphosis.