ike that and a voice like that and could teach like
that," thought Peter. "But I am only a poor fisherman. Oh dear, I wish I
could be worth something."

But Jesus had finished teaching and had bidden the people go to their
homes. Peter turned to row to the shore, but Jesus was not ready for that.
He had been teaching the multitude and now he wanted a chance to talk with
Peter and Andrew. So he said to Peter,

"Launch out into the deep and let us fish for a while."

Peter thought of the long night of useless toil, but Jesus had asked him
to go. This was a chance to stay longer with the teacher, so he said to
him frankly,

"Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, at
your word, I will let down the net."

So together the brothers let down the net and Peter began to row.

This was a good chance for Jesus to study Peter. How strong and
weatherbeaten he looked! His was a good honest face, and Jesus saw there
determination and courage and trustworthiness. Jesus was searching for men
who could be trusted to carry in their minds and lives the most precious
thing he had--his message to the world--so as he rowed out into the
fishing grounds of Lake Gennesaret that day, he was searching Peter's
face. It would take courage, for some of his followers would even have to
die for him. It would take determination, for there would be many things
against them. Yes, Jesus liked Peter as he watched him and talked to him.
Peter was one of the men for whom he was searching.

Suddenly the net was full of fishes--so full that Peter and Andrew could
not manage it. Quickly they called to their partners, James and John, to
come and help them. And when Peter saw the multitude of fishes that were
in the net, he was overpowered with the greatness of the man who had
helped them. Quickly he fell on his knees before the Christ and said,
"Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man."

Then Jesus turned to Peter and with a whole world of meaning said,

"Peter, it is a great multitude of fishes that you have caught, but you
can do greater things than that. You can do far greater things than catch
fish from the water. If you will come with me, I will teach you how to
catch men and you shall be my worker. I need you, Peter. Will you come?"

Would he come? Peter, who had been longing to make his life worth while;
Peter, who had been longing to know what it was that made Jesus so
wonderful as he went among men. Would he go