ing by the lake: but the
fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And
he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him
to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the
multitudes out of the boat. 4 And when he had left speaking, he
said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for
a draught. 5 And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all
night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.
6 And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of
fishes; and their nets were breaking; 7 and they beckoned unto
their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help
them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began
to sink. 8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus'
knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9
For he was amazed, and all that were with him, at the draught of
the fishes which they had taken; 10 and so were also James and
John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus
said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all,
and followed him.

The call of his first disciples is regarded by many as opening a new
period in the public ministry of Jesus. His work was now to assume a more
permanent form. The growing popularity of his preaching indicated that the
gospel was designed for the whole world. For such a proclamation a
definite group of workers must be prepared. The growth of Christianity
ever depends upon securing men who will publicly confess and follow
Christ.

The scene of this call is described as being "by the lake of Gennesaret."
This charming sheet of water brings to mind so many scenes in the life of
our Lord that it has been termed a "Fifth Gospel." On its western and
northern side were the cities in which most of his work was done; the
eastern shores were not inhabited and thither Jesus would resort for rest.

Those whom Jesus called were fishermen, sturdy, independent, fearless.
They were not strangers to Jesus nor had they been indifferent to
spiritual truths. They had attended the preaching of the Baptist and had
come to regard Jesus as the Messiah, but they were now called to leave
their homes and their tasks and to become his constant companions and
disciples.

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