Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
3.4 — Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Jesus Calls His First Disciples: Ordinary fishermen respond to Jesus’ invitation, “Follow Me.”
3.4 — Jesus Calls His First Disciples
“Follow Me”
As Jesus began His public ministry, He did not choose kings, priests, military leaders, or wealthy officials to become His closest followers.
Instead, He called ordinary people.
Fishermen.
Workers.
Businessmen.
People with strengths, weaknesses, questions, and flaws.
Jesus invited them into a new way of life.
His invitation was simple:
“Follow Me.”
The calling of the first disciples reveals that Jesus does not simply invite people to learn information.
He invites people into a relationship, a life of discipleship, and a mission to help others know God.
This lesson explores what it meant to become a disciple and why Jesus chose ordinary people to help change the world.
Scripture References
Matthew 4:18–22
Mark 1:16–20
Luke 5:1–11
John 1:35–51
Jeremiah 16:16
Psalm 78:70–72
The Story
As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew.
They were casting nets into the water because they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them:
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
A short distance away, Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John.
They were in a boat with their father Zebedee repairing fishing nets.
Jesus called them as well.
They left the boat, their nets, and their work to follow Him.
The Gospel of Luke provides additional details.
Before calling the fishermen, Jesus taught from Peter’s boat.
Afterward, Jesus told the fishermen to put their nets into deeper water.
Though they had caught nothing all night, they obeyed.
The result was a miraculous catch of fish.
Peter was overwhelmed.
He recognized that Jesus was no ordinary teacher.
Jesus then called him to a new purpose:
“From now on you will be catching people.”
The disciples left behind familiar routines and began following Jesus.
Their lives would never be the same.
Understanding the Story
What Is a Disciple?
A disciple is a learner, student, follower, or apprentice.
In the ancient world, disciples did more than attend classes.
They lived closely with their teacher, learned from his example, and sought to become like him.
Jesus invited His disciples into a life of learning, service, and transformation.
Why Did Jesus Choose Fishermen?
Jesus often chose ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
The disciples were not selected because of wealth, education, or social status.
Their willingness to follow mattered more than their background.
What Does “Fishers of Men” Mean?
Jesus used language the fishermen understood.
Just as they gathered fish, they would now help gather people into God’s Kingdom by sharing the message of salvation and hope.
Why Did They Leave So Quickly?
The Gospels summarize events briefly, but John’s Gospel shows that some of these men had already encountered Jesus and John the Baptist before this moment.
Their decision was not completely random.
They had already begun recognizing who Jesus was.
Understanding Jesus
Fishing on the Sea of Galilee
Fishing was one of the major industries around the Sea of Galilee. Fishermen worked long hours, often at night, using nets to catch fish. Fishing required patience, teamwork, strength, knowledge of the water, and perseverance. It was hard work that supported families and local communities.
Rabbis and Disciples
A rabbi was a respected Jewish teacher. Students often followed rabbis to learn Scripture, wisdom, and how to live faithfully before God. Most rabbis waited for students to seek them out. Jesus did something unusual—He sought out His own disciples and invited them personally to follow Him.
Why Boats and Nets Matter
The fishing boats found around the Sea of Galilee were working boats used by family businesses. Nets were valuable tools that required regular cleaning and repair. Leaving nets behind symbolized leaving old priorities and embracing a new calling.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John
These men would become some of Jesus’ closest followers. Peter would later become a major leader in the early Church. James and John became part of Jesus’ inner circle and witnessed many important events during His ministry.
Old Testament Connections
God often calls ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
Moses was a shepherd.
David was a shepherd.
Amos was a farmer.
Many prophets came from ordinary backgrounds.
Jesus continued this pattern by calling fishermen rather than political or religious elites.
The miraculous catch of fish also reflects a recurring biblical theme:
God provides abundantly when people trust and obey Him.
Missing Context Check
Did the Disciples Know Everything About Jesus?
No.
The disciples did not fully understand who Jesus was when they first followed Him.
Much of the Gospel story shows them learning, growing, questioning, struggling, and gradually developing faith.
Why Is Following a Rabbi Different from Modern School?
In Jesus’ day, disciples followed their teacher closely. They learned not only through lessons but by watching how their teacher lived, prayed, served, and interacted with people. Discipleship involved the whole person, not just knowledge.
What Did It Cost Them to Follow Jesus?
Following Jesus required sacrifice. The disciples left jobs, routines, security, and familiar expectations. They trusted Jesus without knowing everything that lay ahead.
Key Themes
Jesus Calls Ordinary People
God often works through people the world overlooks.
Following Jesus Requires Commitment
Discipleship involves trust, obedience, and willingness to follow.
God Gives New Purpose
Jesus transformed fishermen into leaders who would help spread the Gospel.
Obedience Opens Doors
The disciples experienced God’s power when they obeyed Jesus.
Why This Lesson Matters
Many people assume God only uses highly gifted, educated, or influential individuals.
The calling of the disciples teaches the opposite.
Jesus often chooses ordinary people who are willing to trust Him.
This lesson also reminds believers that discipleship is more than believing facts about Jesus.
It involves following Him, learning from Him, and allowing Him to transform our lives.
Connecting to Jesus
Jesus did not simply gather followers.
He built disciples.
He invited people into a relationship with Him and prepared them to continue His mission.
Christians believe Jesus still calls people today.
His invitation remains:
“Follow Me.”
Jesus continues transforming ordinary lives for extraordinary purposes.
Living the Message
The calling of the disciples invites believers to consider how Jesus may be calling them today.
This week:
Spend time praying about where God may be leading you.
Reflect on areas where you need greater trust or obedience.
Read Luke 5 and imagine standing in Peter’s boat.
Consider how your daily work, relationships, and gifts can be used for God’s Kingdom.
Remember that Jesus often calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus choose fishermen as some of His first disciples?
Possible answers:
Jesus often chooses ordinary people and values willingness to follow more than status or position.
What does it mean to be a disciple?
Possible answers:
A disciple is a learner and follower who seeks to become more like Jesus.
Why was the miraculous catch of fish important?
Possible answers:
It revealed Jesus’ authority and helped the disciples recognize who He was.
What sacrifices did the disciples make?
Possible answers:
They left jobs, routines, security, and familiar expectations to follow Jesus.
How does Jesus still call people today?
Possible answers:
Jesus calls people to trust Him, follow Him, serve others, and participate in His mission.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus called ordinary people to become His disciples and follow Him.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus transforms lives and gives people new purpose through discipleship.
Obedience in Action
Respond to Jesus with trust, obedience, and a willingness to follow wherever He leads.
Walk It Out
Read Luke 5 this week and ask God to show you what it means to follow Jesus more closely.
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
