Jesus Calls His Disciples

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He began to gather those who would become His closest followers and witnesses. Jesus saw two brethren, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. Jesus interrupted their work with a startling invitation: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they forsook their nets and followed Him. Going further, Jesus saw James and John with their father mending nets. He called them, and immediately they left the ship and their father and followed Him. Luke's account provides additional detail. The multitude pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God as He stood by the lake. He entered Simon's ship and asked him to thrust out from land, then taught the people from the boat. When finished, Jesus said to Simon, 'Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets.' Simon answered, 'Master, we have toiled all night and taken nothing. Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.' When they let down the net, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, so many that their net brake. They filled both ships until they began to sink. Peter fell at Jesus' knees saying, 'Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.' Yet Jesus said, 'Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.' When they brought their ships to land, they forsook all and followed Him.