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50. The First Disciples

Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11 & John 1:35-42
Key Verse: "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17

Now begins the fun of trying to discern what really happened on the shores of Galilee.  While we may not be able to figure out exactly what happened, we know two things for sure.  Jesus said, "Come, follow me," and by the end of the day, His first four disciples, Andrew, Simon, James and John, took up His invitation, left their nets, and obeyed. 

The gospel of John mentions that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist first.  So, we already see that Andrew has more interest in spiritual matters than fishing.  He had probably already been having many conversations with his brother Simon, and James and John, and family friends or relatives, while they were out in the boats fishing or doing the tedious work of mending the nets after the catch had been gathered. 

Now Jesus arrives on the scene, teaching to the crowd about the kingdom of God.  In Luke's version, He asks if He can borrow a boat to sit out a bit from shore so that the crowd can hear Him better.  Water is an excellent carrier of sound.  Simon and the others couldn't help but hear what He was saying as they continued to work on cleaning their nets. 

Now, His teaching over, Jesus wishes to reward Simon for his willingness to share, especially since Simon didn't have much to show for a whole night's work.  "Simon," Jesus says to him, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."  Jesus knew what He was doing even if Simon did not. 

"Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets."  Peter probably didn’t think much would happen because he knew that the fishing was best at night.  But almost immediately, Simon is rewarded for his obedience! The nets are full to breaking!  There is plenty to fill both boats.  There is plenty to sell in the market place.  Their physical needs are provided for, for the near future.   

Now, they are ready to hear Jesus say, "Come, follow me."  Somehow, this miracle convicts Simon of his sin causing him to repent and humble himself before Jesus.  Jesus is ready to take him, and Andrew, and James, and John.  With them, He is to begin His ministry on this earth.  Somehow, Simon understands that this isn't just an opportunity to make it rich by capitalizing on a friendship that had the potential to end his physical struggles forever.  This met a spiritual need in Simon, more than a physical one.  It is the spiritual need that Simon responds too. 

These four men would develop a special bond with Jesus.  Three of them would be with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration and in the garden of Gethsemane.  These four men would see His ministry from start to finish.  One of them, Simon, would play a major part, through the help of the Holy Spirit, in beginning the church.  Who would have ever seen such potential in a crude fisherman?  Yet, we explored earlier the amazing life of Joseph and Mary too because of their obedience.  (Feb. 5)

Again we must say, what amazing things can come from small beginnings when we obey the call, "follow me."

Hymn: Just a Closer Walk with Thee

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