Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:16-18
Mark’s gospel emphasizes the fast pace and dramatic impact of Jesus’ ministry with his frequent use of the word “immediately.” John’s gospel gives additional background information – that Andrew had been a follower of John the Baptist and when John called Jesus “the Lamb of God,” Andrew believed and brought his brother, Simon, to meet the Messiah.
Luke 5 is our key passage this week (10/15/23), an expanded version of the Mark 1 calling of the first disciples.
And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
Luke 5:4-7
Simon was so moved by this incredible miracle that he responded with deep conviction of sin.
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken
Luke 5:8-9
This encounter is reminiscent of Isaiah’s call to ministry. Seeing a vision of God Himself exalted in glory on His heavenly throne, Isaiah responded:
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Isaiah 6:4-5
For the Old Testament prophet, God revealed Himself in a temple scene, surrounded by angels. For a first century fisherman, God revealed Himself through a miraculous catch of fish. Both experiences convinced the one being called into ministry that it was the God of heaven and earth who was calling them. And both men responded with deep humility and visible repentance.
In Isaiah’s case, an angel flew with a coal from the altar in heaven to cleanse his lips and symbolically provide cleansing for all the people of Israel as well. In Simon’s case, the Lord simply said:
“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11
Jesus would deal with Simon’s sin in a couple of years (see John 21 for Simon’s restoration after his very public denials of Jesus), but at this moment He simply calms Simon’s fears and calls him into a new life and ministry. Remarkably, all four fishermen leave their boats (still full of fish) and follow Jesus.
What was your crossroads experience with Jesus? How did God make Himself known to you? Probably it wasn’t a heavenly vision or a miraculous catch of fish, but God still showed you that He is real and that He loves you. Maybe it was your parents or a Sunday School teacher or a friend or a neighbor. Maybe it was by reading the Bible. One way or another the Lord brought you to a point of decision in which you heard His voice and had to choose between your old life and a new life following Him.
As we pray for and reach out to people around us, we need to discern when it is time to bring them to a crossroads moment. Maybe you invite them to church. Maybe you invite them to watch The Chosen with you. Maybe you just send them a text with a Bible verse or two.
What a privilege that we can join God in His work in the lives of people! Let’s be praying for the people in our lives and watching for opportunities to lead them to a crossroads moment with Jesus!