Our Scripture today recounts the moment Jesus called His first disciples:
> “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.” (Mark 1:16-20)
Have you ever wondered why these men immediately left everything to follow Jesus?
John’s Gospel gives us the context. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was a disciple of John the Baptist. Knowing John’s role as the forerunner of Christ, Andrew understood that John’s declaration meant the Messiah had arrived. When John proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus and even spent the day with Him (John 1:35-42). Andrew then sought Simon and declared, “We have found the Messiah!”
Simon, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen from Galilee, which was part of the Northern tribes of Israel, referenced in Jeremiah 3:6-8 as being divorced by God. They were waiting for the promised restoration (Hosea 1:10-11). Their decision to follow Jesus was not a sudden or blind choice; it was the response of hearts that recognized the Christ, the chosen Savior of God.
Jesus’ call to become “fishers of men” is a beautiful play on words. These fishermen were no longer catching fish for a living; they were now called to draw people to God for salvation.
Our Calling Today
This story is not just for them—it is for us. Every Christian is called to live out the Gospel, even if not in full-time ministry. As Paul writes, we are to “shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16). Peter reminds us to live holy lives and love one another sincerely:
> “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14-15).
> “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:22-23).
The Irony in Today’s Church
It has become increasingly difficult to distinguish Christians from the world. Many who profess to follow Christ often behave worse than non-believers. Why is this happening? Because churches have tolerated wolves in sheep’s clothing, allowing them to remain in their midst and still call it a congregation of God.
Paul warns the church:
> “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7)
> “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
The church is not called to isolate itself from the world but to discipline and guard its own community. For three years, the disciples walked with Jesus, learning His teachings and living them out. The greatest threat to the church comes not from outside, but from within. Paul himself warned the elders:
> “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which Jesus obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:28-30)
True discipleship must begin before a church is established. Paul emphasized that we are to teach faithful people who will, in turn, teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). This is the foundation of a healthy church community.
The church is not a walled building where people gather only on Sundays to repeatedly hear teachings on repentance and the basics of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-2). Instead, believers are called to live in harmony, edifying God and Christ in their daily lives. Like the first disciples, we are to respond to Christ’s call with faith and obedience, living as true witnesses of His grace and truth.
Reflections on Christ’s call
To truly follow Jesus, one must first encounter and understand who He is—His holiness, compassion, and Lordship. Without grasping His character, discipleship becomes an empty routine rather than a heartfelt response. Similarly, treasuring the Christian life is impossible without first recognizing the depth of one’s lostness and need for salvation. This awareness leads to repentance and a genuine desire for transformation. The call of Jesus is not merely an invitation but a commitment to a lifelong journey of discipleship. As Paul reminds us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17), emphasizing that it is through God’s Word that our hearts awaken to faith and obedience.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
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