Four Fishermen Witness History

Called to Follow: The Invitation of Christ

1. Matthew’s account tells of personal calling, the immediate response

Matthew 4:18 NIV

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

Matthew 4:19 NIV

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

2. Mark’s account records the purpose of the call: from fishermen to fishers of men.

Mark 1:16 NIV

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

Mark 1:17 NIV

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Mark 1:18 NIV

At once they left their nets and followed him.

3. Matthew: prompt obedience and a radical commitment

Matthew 4:20 NIV

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 4:21 NIV

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,

Matthew 4:22 NIV

and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

4. Mark: prioritizing Christ, making courageous decisions

Mark 1:19 NIV

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.

Mark 1:20 NIV

Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

First Lesson: Real Authority

5. Teaching with authority, like none other

Mark 1:21 NIV

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

Mark 1:22 NIV

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

Mark 1:23 NIV

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out,

Mark 1:24 NIV

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

6. Exercising authority, like none other

Mark 1:25 NIV

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”

Mark 1:26 NIV

The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

Mark 1:27 NIV

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”

Mark 1:28 NIV

News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.