MATTHEW 4:18–22, THE CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES
FROM ORDINARY LIFE TO EXTRAORDINARY DISCIPLESHIP
Introduction
God’s call often comes in the midst of ordinary life. The first disciples were not found in synagogues or schools of theology but at their daily work by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus meets Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John while they are fishing, and with a simple invitation He changes the course of their lives forever. This Gospel reveals that discipleship is not about prior worthiness or preparation, but about availability, trust, and immediate response. The call of the first disciples invites us to examine how we respond when Jesus calls us today.
Bible Passage
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
Background of the Passage
This passage follows immediately after Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee with the proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Having announced the Kingdom, Jesus now begins to form a community to continue His mission. In Jewish tradition, disciples chose their rabbis; here, Jesus reverses the pattern and personally chooses His disciples. This moment marks the foundation of the apostolic Church.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee.”
Jesus meets people where life happens. The Sea of Galilee was a center of economic activity, travel, and daily labor. God’s call does not remove us from reality but enters into it.
“He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.”
Jesus sees before He calls. His call is personal and intentional. Simon is already given his future identity as Peter, even before he understands it himself.
“Casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.”
Their work is ordinary, repetitive, and physically demanding. Jesus does not despise ordinary labor; He transforms it into a symbol of mission.
“Come after me.”
This is more than an invitation to walk; it is a call to relationship, obedience, and lifelong commitment. Discipleship begins with closeness to Jesus.
“I will make you fishers of men.”
Jesus does not discard their skills but redirects them. As they once gathered fish, they will now gather people into the Kingdom of God. Mission flows from who we already are, purified and elevated by grace.
“At once they left their nets and followed him.”
Their immediate response shows radical trust. Nets symbolize livelihood, security, and identity. True discipleship requires letting go of what holds us back.
“He saw two other brothers, James and John.”
The call continues. Jesus forms a community, not isolated followers. The Church is built on shared discipleship.
“With their father Zebedee, mending their nets.”
They are engaged in responsibility and family duty. Jesus’ call may require painful detachments, even from good and necessary relationships.
“Immediately they left their boat and their father.”
This does not mean rejection of family, but placing God first. Obedience to God reorders all other relationships.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Fishing was a respected trade in Galilee. Rabbis usually accepted only the best students, but Jesus chooses working men, showing that God’s mission is open to all. Leaving one’s father and trade was a radical step in Jewish culture, highlighting the total commitment required for following Jesus.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that every baptized person is called to discipleship and mission. While some are called to priesthood or religious life, all are called to follow Christ according to their state of life. Apostolic succession traces its roots to this moment when Jesus called the first disciples.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Peter, once a fisherman, became the shepherd of the universal Church. Saints throughout history—from Saint Francis of Assisi to Saint Teresa of Calcutta—heard Christ’s call and left behind security to follow Him. God continues to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Application to Christian Life Today
Jesus still walks along the shores of our daily lives—our workplaces, homes, and routines—and calls us. We may not be asked to leave our jobs physically, but we are asked to surrender control, priorities, and self-centered ambitions. The question is not whether Jesus calls, but whether we respond “at once.”
Eucharistic Connection
The same Jesus who called the disciples by the Sea of Galilee now calls us at every Eucharist. He nourishes us so that we may become “fishers of men” through witness, service, and love. The Mass sends us forth to continue His mission in the world.
Messages / Call to Conversion
-
Jesus calls us in the midst of ordinary life, not after we become perfect.
-
Discipleship begins with a personal relationship: “Come after me.”
-
Following Jesus requires letting go of false securities and attachments.
-
God transforms our existing gifts and skills for His mission.
-
Immediate obedience opens the door to extraordinary grace.
-
Every baptized Christian is called to participate in Christ’s mission.
Outline for Preachers (Printout Version)
-
Context: beginning of Jesus’ public ministry
-
Call happens in ordinary daily work
-
Jesus sees, calls, and transforms
-
“Come after me” as call to relationship
-
“Fishers of men” as mission
-
Immediate response and radical trust
-
Detachment from security and family
-
Church built on called disciples
-
Application to daily Christian life
-
Eucharist as ongoing call and mission
