Jesus meets us where we are, but more importantly uses who we are.
Opening question: Where were you and what were you doing when you first answered the call to follow Jesus?
Bible study
The account of the calling of Jesus first disciples is to be found in all four gospels, but the details of the circumstances in which Jesus meets them differs considerably.
Let’s turn to Mark 1:14-20, Luke 5:1-8 and John 1:35-50 compare their account with Matthew.
What are the key differences is these four accounts?
The first three gospels are known as the synoptic gospels because they broadly speaking gather and present an overview of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. The word ‘synoptic’ comes from
the Greek ‘synoptikos’ which means”taking a general or comprehensive view.” The synoptic gospels follow a roughly chronological structure and much of the content in each gospel is similar and in many places identical to that found in the other two. John’s gospel is very different in structure and character and therefore not one of the synoptic gospels. It does not provide an overview, but an analysis of 7 events in Jesus’ life. The chronology is in places very different and
the call of the four first disciples different too.
I would like to suggest that these apparent inconsistencies don’t present us with a problem, but a useful insight into the context.
What intrigues me about Matthew and Mark is that they merely describe the commissioning of the four fishermen as ‘fishers of men’ and their spontaneous reaction, but not why.
Taking the evidence of the gospels why did the disciples follow Jesus according to John?
Why did the disciples follow Jesus according to Luke?
Drawing all four accounts together it seems likely that the four fisherman had been drawn toward a life of faith through the sensational ministry of John the Baptist. They first encountered Jesus in the region of the River Jordan and were intrigued by
this new teacher who then followed them after their return to Galilee. Jesus shows His persistence in meeting them in a place which was familiar to them and then cements the fishermen’s resolve to follow Him by the miraculous catch. Mark and Matthew omit this detail for reasons of their own, not because it did not happen, but for reasons of focus and brevity.
Interestingly John places the miraculous catch after the
resurrection not because it did not happen at the initial call, but because Jesus repeated this miracle and it formed a vital part of Simon’s reinstatement after his denial. I think it is so like Jesus to take Simon back to beginning to where they first met so that he could start again.
I might be wrong, but my reflection on the call of the disciples does provide an explanation of the reason why the four fisherman left their nets so readily.
What lesson or lessons do you take away from these stories having studied them more closely?
Where were you when you first met Jesus? Where are you now?
How has He used your skills and experience?
Have we any nets and boats which we have got to let go of?
What is your equivalent of ‘Fishing for men?’