While the Lord Jesus was here, travelling over the Judean plains and moving through the Galilean hills, there were various people who had the privilege of spending time with Him. There were “the women that followed him from Galilee” (Luk 23:49).1 Some of them “had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities” (8:2) and now, out of devotion, followed the Saviour and spent time with Him.
Of course, it was a special privilege for “the twelve” to spend time with the Lord Jesus. While they had different backgrounds and unique circumstances, they were united in the fact that they were called by the Lord “that they should be with him” (Mar 3:14). They heard, saw and experienced things that many never had the opportunity to witness.
However, among the twelve there were three men in particular who had an even greater privilege. Peter, James and John formed an inner circle of closeness to Christ, and on three different occasions they were specifically taken to witness and to behold events in which they learned something of the Person of Christ. While Matthew records one of the events and Luke records two, only Mark details all three. These three occasions in Mark’s Gospel give us a look at the loveliness of the Perfect Servant and the lessons that are learned from Him of “faith, hope, love, these three” (1Co 13:13 NKJV).
In Mark 5, the three are taken by the Lord Jesus into the home of Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue in a Galilean town. There they witness the Lord Jesus raise a twelve-year-old girl from the dead. It is in that home that we see the authority of the saving Servant, and we learn a lesson on faith – the need of a trusting heart. Then the Saviour leads these three men “into an high mountain … and he was transfigured before them” (Mar 9:2). In that mountain, we view the glory of the sovereign Servant with a lesson on hope – the requirement of a waiting heart. Finally, the Lord separates these three from the other eight in the Garden of Gethsemane as He “began to be sore amazed” (14:33). There in the garden, we watch the agony of the suffering Servant and appreciate a lesson on love – the beauty of a submitting heart. May the Lord ever help us when reading the Scriptures to see Christ and learn of Him.
Before we consider these three occasions and lessons from them, perhaps it would be good to refresh our minds with the background of these three men.
Their Career
Matthew, Mark and Luke give us an insight into the employment of Peter, James and John before they were called to follow Christ. They were well-seasoned fishermen of Galilee. In fact, one of the things that is highlighted in the record of Scripture is their activity. These men never sat around idle; they were busy with the work in which they were engaged. Matthew 4:18 (cf. Mar 1:16) says they were “casting a net into the sea.” Matthew 4:21 (cf. Mar 1:19) describes them “mending their nets.” And Luke 5:2 records them “washing their nets.” These were busy men. Mind you, this is the kind of people God will use today – believers who are putting their hand to the work that is in front of them. The career which these men had played a role in the call they received.
Their Call
It was a typical day for these three men as the Saviour “walked by the sea of Galilee” (Mar 1:16) and observed them fishing. However, they were about to hear a call that would alter their course. This wasn’t the first time they had encountered Christ, for John’s Gospel gives us insight into some of the followers of John the Baptist and how they left him to follow the Saviour (Joh 1:35-37). As well, we have a clear mention of Andrew introducing Simon (whom the Lord called Peter) to the Lord (vv40-42). While James’ first introduction to the Lord Jesus isn’t mentioned, it likely took place around the same time as the others.
Now, sometime later, the Lord Jesus was walking by the sea. First, He approached Peter, along with his brother Andrew,2 and said to them, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men” (Mar 1:17). He then moved a little further and “straightway he called them” (v20). The Lord was calling them into a new realm of service. How fitting that men who were fishermen would be called “to become fishers of men.”
At the moment of our salvation, we were called. Paul writes that God “hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling” (2Ti 1:9). While all believers have received the call to salvation, there are times when God gives a specific call to service. That is what happened to Saul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2: “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” How important it is to be sensitive to the direction the Lord gives.
Their Choice
The call that was heard by these men demanded a response. It was a choice that was individual, for no one could make the choice for them. It was a choice that was costly, for they left their careers behind3 – “they forsook their nets” (Mar 1:18). It was a choice that was precious, for they left all “and went after him” (v20).
The Consequences
It would be with Him that they would grow in character and in likeness to their Lord, learning of Him and from Him. These three would go on to be mighty men of God, great leaders among the people of God. James would be a martyr marked by faith, Peter would be a shepherd marked by hope, and John would be a brother marked by love. Where did they learn of faith, hope and love? It was in those moments they spent with the Master.
May the Lord help us to spend time with Him, growing “in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2Pe 3:18).
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.
2 Andrew is seen with Peter, James and John on two notable occasions, both referenced in Mark’s Gospel: in the home where Peter’s mother-in-law was healed (1:29-31) and on the Mount of Olives (13:3-37).
3 Some think these were poor fishermen of Galilee, but the fact that Zebedee had hired servants (Mar 1:20) would suggest that he was a fairly wealthy businessman. The choice of James and John came at a great cost.
