Jesus has just emerged from His time of fasting and temptation in the wilderness. Upon hearing the news of John the Baptist’s arrest, He relocates to Capernaum, a bustling fishing village by the Sea of Galilee. This is a turning point in His ministry:
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17).
It is after this declaration that Jesus begins to call His disciples. The transition is significant: Jesus shifts from preparation to action, inviting others to join Him in proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
The details in this passage are rich with meaning. Jesus begins His ministry not in the temple or among religious leaders but on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where ordinary fishermen are going about their daily work. Simon and Andrew are casting their nets, earning their livelihood.
The Gospel writer clarifies for his audience that Simon is also called Peter—the name by which early Christians would have known him. In Hebrew or Aramaic, Simon’s original name was Shim’on, meaning “He has heard.” This name foreshadows Simon’s pivotal role in hearing and responding to God’s call, ultimately becoming Peter, the “rock” upon which the Church is built.
Andrew’s name, in contrast, is Greek (Andreas), meaning “manly” or “brave.” While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent, some scholars speculate he might have had a Hebrew name, such as Eitan (strong) or Gibor (mighty), that reflected his character. However, the absence of a recorded Hebrew name may suggest Andrew’s cultural identity as someone who straddled Jewish and Hellenistic influences, a reminder of the diverse world in which Jesus ministered.
They are both casting a net into the sea because they are fishermen by trade, this is not hobby but their livelihoods. The Sea of Galilee was renowned for its wide variety of fish and a flourishing fishing industry was present in Caperna-um because of it. It was a natural base of operations for fishermen as there were markets right by it where they could sell their catch.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
When Jesus tells them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” He uses their trade to describe their new mission like a living parable. Fishing requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to cast the net even when success isn’t guaranteed. These same qualities will be essential as they go forth to “catch” people for God’s Kingdom. Jesus meets them where they are—using language they understand—but calls them to something far greater.
The immediacy of their response is striking: “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” While this might seem impulsive, it’s important to note that this wasn’t their first encounter with Jesus. John’s Gospel tells us that Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, had already met Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah (John 1:35-40). Their decision to follow Him now reflects the culmination of previous encounters and a deep sense of trust in His authority.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
The pattern repeats: Jesus sees two brothers, calls them, and they follow immediately. However, this time we are given an additional detail—their father, Zebedee, is present in the boat.
James and John are mending their nets, an essential task in maintaining a successful fishing business. The mention of Zebedee suggests a family-run operation, with their father serving as the head. Unlike Simon and Andrew, who appear to be independent fishermen, James and John leave not only their livelihood but also their father behind.
This detail emphasizes the cost of discipleship. In a society where family ties were central, their decision to leave their father and the family business underscores the radical nature of Jesus’ call. It also foreshadows the sacrifices they will make in their ministry.
The names of these two brothers also carry symbolic significance. James’s Hebrew name, Ya’akov (Jacob), means “supplanter” or “heel-grabber,” evoking the biblical story of Jacob and Esau. John’s Hebrew name, Yochanan, means “The Lord is gracious.” Together, their names reflect both human striving and divine grace—two themes that will characterize their journey as disciples.
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