When Jesus began to gather disciples, He didn’t go to Herod’s court, nor to the chief priests or elders, but to the Sea of Galilee among the fishermen. Jesus told Peter and Andrew to follow Him and become “fishers of men” to help others find God. Likewise, Jesus called James and John and they immediately followed Him. Before this calling, the future disciples had spent time with Jesus, learning about the kind of man he was. As was the Jewish custom, boys until age 13 attended a school which focused on the Scriptures. Then, they learned a trade for support as they continued to study under a Rabbi. Very few, however, had the means and dedication to continue this study and become rabbis themselves. To these future disciples, Jesus was their Rabbi - the One to whom they gave full and undivided attention. They had previously interacted with Jesus and were willing and ready to follow Him - becoming convinced that following him would change their lives forever. These four men were the first disciples Jesus called to work with Him.
2. What did Jesus call Peter, Andrew, James and John to do? What were the implications of this?
- Follow me - Jesus inviting his disciples to literally follow Him and do what He did.
- They would “fish for people” (“catch” people) as they followed Jesus.
- Response to Jesus - immediate to His calling; this was after spending some time getting to know Him.
- How did Jewish custom influence their decision? Many Jews hoped to become a “teacher” themselves - if able to study under a Rabbi - and become like their Rabbi.
- What did this mean for their livelihoods and families? - trust in God’s provisions.
- God usually calls his people as they are busy doing something (i.e., David was keeping his father’s sheep; the shepherds were guarding their flocks).
- Jesus doesn’t call us from 0 to 100. He calls us to take the next step. He is gracious and gentle. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
3. In verse 20, the text says Andrew and Peter left “at once” to follow Jesus. In verse 22, the text says that James and John left “immediately” to follow Jesus. At first glance, it seems like these disciples were either full of faith, or acting incredibly rash or irresponsible to leave their father and their family so suddenly. Look at John 1:35-42, Mark 1:14-20, and Luke 4:38-43 and 5:1-11 to help give the fuller context for their decision to immediately follow Jesus.
Expanding on the participant notes proceeding question 2:
- John 1:35-42 describes how John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God to Andrew (then, one of John’s disciples). Andrew was convinced Jesus was the Messiah and also brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus.
- Mark 1:14-20 describes again Jesus’ first calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John (this was after John the Baptist was put in prison). Jesus was also in the Galilee where the disciples lived - proclaiming the good news of God (v.14) and furthering the impact His preaching and teaching was having on his future disciples.
- Luke 4:38-42; 5:1-11 describes the miracle healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and the 2nd calling of the disciples. After the first call (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:14-20), Peter, Andrew, James and John had gone back to fishing. They continued to watch Jesus as he established His authority in the synagogue, healing the sick and driving out demons. Here (Luke 5:1-11) Jesus met them on their level and helped them in their work. From this point on, Jesus had established authority over their lives - they left their nets and remained with Jesus.
- We often assume Jesus’ disciples were great men of faith from the very first time they met Jesus. However, Jesus was no stranger to the disciples when he called them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He spent weeks with them. He made sure they got to know him as a person. He did not expect them to make a blilnd decision. Although it took time for Jesus’ call and message to get through, the disciples followed. In the same way, we may question and falter, but we must never stop following Jesus. Following Jesus means leaving our past behind and committing our future to him.
- Just as all believers, the disciples had to grow in their faith. What a great lesson for us. Sharing the gospel is all about cultivating relationships - willing to take the time to let others come to know Jesus gradually. This is how Jesus fished for people.
