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Scripture is their activity. These men never become fishers of men.”
sat around idle; they were busy with the At the moment of our salvation, we
work in which they were engaged. Mat- were called. Paul writes that God “hath
thew 4:18 (cf. Mar 1:16) says they were saved us, and called us with an holy call-
“casting a net into the sea.” Matthew 4:21 ing” (2Ti 1:9). While all believers have re-
(cf. Mar 1:19) describes them “mending ceived the call to salvation, there are times
their nets.” And Luke 5:2 records them when God gives a specific call to service.
“washing their nets.” These were busy That is what happened to Saul and Barn-
men. Mind you, this is the kind of people abas in Acts 13:2: “Separate me Barnabas
God will use today – believers who are and Saul for the work whereunto I have
putting their hand to the work that is in called them.” How important it is to be
front of them. The career which these men sensitive to the direction the Lord gives.
had played a role in the call they received.
Their Choice
Their Call
The call that was heard by these men
It was a typical day for these three men demanded a response. It was a choice that
as the Saviour “walked by the sea of Gali- was individual, for no one could make the
lee” (Mar 1:16) and observed them fishing. choice for them. It was a choice that was
However, they were about to hear a call costly, for they left their careers behind –
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that would alter their course. This wasn’t “they forsook their nets” (Mar 1:18). It was
the first time they had encountered Christ, a choice that was precious, for they left all
for John’s Gospel gives us insight into “and went after him” (v20).
some of the followers of John the Baptist
and how they left him to follow the Sav- The Consequences
iour (Joh 1:35-37). As well, we have a clear
mention of Andrew introducing Simon It would be with Him that they would
(whom the Lord called Peter) to the Lord grow in character and in likeness to their
(vv40-42). While James’ first introduction Lord, learning of Him and from Him.
to the Lord Jesus isn’t mentioned, it likely These three would go on to be mighty men
took place around the same time as the of God, great leaders among the people of
others. God. James would be a martyr marked by
Now, sometime later, the Lord Jesus was faith, Peter would be a shepherd marked
walking by the sea. First, He approached by hope, and John would be a brother
Peter, along with his brother Andrew, marked by love. Where did they learn of
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and said to them, “Come ye after me, and faith, hope and love? It was in those mo-
I will make you to become fishers of men” ments they spent with the Master.
(Mar 1:17). He then moved a little further May the Lord help us to spend time
and “straightway he called them” (v20). with Him, growing “in grace, and in the
The Lord was calling them into a new knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
realm of service. How fitting that men Christ. To him be glory both now and for
who were fishermen would be called “to ever. Amen” (2Pe 3:18).

2 Andrew is seen with Peter, James and John 3 Some think these were poor fishermen of
on two notable occasions, both referenced Galilee, but the fact that Zebedee had hired
in Mark’s Gospel: in the home where Peter’s servants (Mar 1:20) would suggest that he was a
mother-in-law was healed (1:29-31) and on the fairly wealthy businessman. The choice of James
Mount of Olives (13:3-37). and John came at a great cost.

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