MATTHEW 4:18-22
THE CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Matthew 3:18-22
18 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.
19 He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 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,
22 and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
Introduction
This passage marks the beginning of Jesus’ gathering of His disciples—the foundation of the Church’s mission. As He walks along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls four fishermen—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to leave their ordinary lives and follow Him. Their immediate response demonstrates the irresistible power of His call and their willingness to abandon everything for the sake of the Kingdom. What begins as a simple invitation by the lakeshore becomes the start of a world-transforming mission.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Sea of Galilee, also called the Lake of Gennesaret, was a fertile region surrounded by thriving fishing communities. Fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John worked long hours, supplying both local needs and exports to nearby regions. Fishing was considered honorable but demanding labor—symbolic of perseverance and trust in God’s providence.
In the Old Testament, fishing imagery often represented God’s mission of gathering people for judgment or salvation (Jeremiah 16:16; Ezekiel 47:10). By saying, “I will make you fishers of men,” Jesus transforms this imagery, calling His disciples to participate in His work of redeeming humanity. His choice of ordinary fishermen rather than scholars or priests reveals that God’s call depends not on human status but on openness of heart. The brothers’ immediate response shows the radical nature of discipleship in the Jewish context—leaving family, work, and possessions to follow a rabbi was an extraordinary act of faith and trust.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this passage reveals the nature of Christian vocation and mission. Jesus takes the initiative; He calls, and the disciples respond. Their obedience models the essence of discipleship—faith expressed in action. By inviting them to be “fishers of men,” Jesus introduces the Church’s missionary identity: to gather souls into the net of God’s mercy through evangelization and witness.
The disciples’ response “at once” underscores the total surrender that Christ demands. True discipleship involves detachment from material security, social ties, and personal ambitions, choosing instead the uncertain path of following the Lord. Peter, Andrew, James, and John thus become the first witnesses of the new covenant community, foreshadowing the apostolic mission of the Church.
This passage also signifies a transition in salvation history: the call from the Old Covenant (centered on family and land) to the New Covenant (centered on faith and communion with Christ). The call of the first disciples anticipates the sacramental life of the Church—especially Holy Orders—where men are called to continue Christ’s ministry of gathering souls for the Kingdom.
Parallels in Scripture
Jeremiah 16:16 – “I am sending many fishermen, says the Lord, to catch them.”
Luke 5:1–11 – The miraculous catch of fish and the call of Peter.
John 1:35–42 – Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus after John’s testimony.
Matthew 9:9 – The call of Matthew, another example of immediate discipleship.
John 21:3–7 – The risen Jesus calls His disciples again by the sea, renewing their mission.
Key Terms
Sea of Galilee: A symbol of mission and transformation, where Jesus begins His ministry.
Fishers of Men: A metaphor for evangelization—bringing people into communion with God.
Vocation: The divine call to follow Christ in a specific mission or state of life.
Immediate Response: Sign of true faith and surrender to God’s will.
Apostles: The first disciples chosen by Christ to continue His mission of salvation.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage often appears in the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, known as the Sunday of the Word of God, emphasizing the power of Christ’s call through His Word. It also reflects the Church’s call to evangelization and the vocation to priesthood and religious life. The Sea of Galilee remains a sacred symbol of discipleship—where ordinary people encounter the extraordinary call of God.
Conclusion
The call of the first disciples reveals the simplicity and power of Christ’s invitation: “Follow me.” In these four fishermen, we see the foundation of the Church and the model of every Christian vocation. Their immediate and total response teaches that discipleship is not delayed obedience but joyful surrender. Christ still walks along the shores of our lives, inviting us to follow Him and become “fishers of men.”
Reflection
Like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, each of us is called by name. The Lord meets us in the ordinary circumstances of life and invites us to something greater—to share His mission of love. Following Jesus requires trust, courage, and detachment, but it also brings the deepest joy. Our nets—our securities and routines—must sometimes be left behind so that we may cast the net of the Gospel into the world.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You called Your first disciples to follow You and become fishers of men. Give us the grace to hear Your voice and respond with faith and courage. Help us to leave behind all that holds us back and to follow You with undivided hearts. Strengthen us to bring others into Your light and to live as true witnesses of Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 4:18-22 recounts the significant moment when Jesus calls His first disciples, marking the start of His public ministry and the formation of His core group of followers. As He walks by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus invites two sets of brothers – Simon (Peter) and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee – who are engaged in their work as fishermen. His invitation to “follow me, and I will make you fish for people” prompts an immediate and decisive response, with these men leaving their nets and families to follow Him. This narrative underscores the transformative power of Jesus’ call and foreshadows their future roles in spreading His teachings.
The passage highlights key themes in the Christian faith, particularly the concept of discipleship, where Jesus selects His followers, breaking from the traditional norm of disciples choosing their rabbis. By calling ordinary men from their daily lives to an extraordinary mission, Jesus emphasizes the inclusivity and accessibility of His message. The metaphor of fishing for people symbolizes the disciples’ mission to evangelize and bring others into the faith. The readiness of Peter, Andrew, James, and John to abandon their livelihoods and follow Jesus illustrates their faith and the profound commitment required to embrace His call. The bustling Sea of Galilee represents the world into which Jesus’ message will spread, with the act of fishing serving as a metaphor for gathering people into God’s Kingdom.
Matthew 4:18 “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.”
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the calling of His first disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew. This passage is significant for several reasons:
1. Divine Initiative: Jesus takes the initiative to call His disciples. This reflects the Catholic understanding that vocation is a call from God, not a human choice. Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew underscores that it is God who chooses and calls individuals to participate in His divine plan.
2. Response to the Call: The immediate response of Peter and Andrew, who leave their nets and follow Jesus, exemplifies the ideal response to God’s call – prompt and wholehearted. This mirrors the Catholic teaching on the importance of obedience and readiness to follow God’s will.
3. Transformation of Life: Jesus promises to make them “fishers of men,” indicating a transformation from their previous occupation to a new mission. This transformation is akin to the sacramental life in Catholicism, where ordinary elements (like water in Baptism or bread and wine in the Eucharist) are transformed into means of grace.
Context and Symbolism
1. Sea of Galilee: The Sea of Galilee is significant as the setting for many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles. It represents the world in need of salvation.
2. Fishermen: Peter and Andrew were ordinary men engaged in their daily labor. Jesus calling fishermen symbolizes that God’s call is universal, reaching out to people in all walks of life.
The Call to Discipleship
– Vocation: Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew signifies the personal nature of vocation. In Catholic teaching, vocation is a divine call to service and mission in the Church. It’s not limited to priests and religious but includes laity who are called to witness Christ in their daily lives.
– Transformation: The act of fishing represents evangelization. Just as fishermen gather fish, the disciples are called to gather people into the Kingdom of God. This transformation from fishermen to “fishers of men” underscores the transformative power of Jesus’ call.
Response to the Call
Peter and Andrew’s immediate response to Jesus without hesitation exemplifies the ideal response to God’s call. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 863), all baptized Christians are called to be apostles in a general sense, actively participating in the Church’s mission.
Biblical References
1. Luke 5:10: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” This reinforces the mission given to Peter and Andrew.
2. John 15:16: “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” This emphasizes that the initiative of calling comes from Jesus.
3. CCC 542: “Christ stands at the heart of this gathering of men into the ‘family of God’. By his word, through signs that manifest the reign of God, and by sending out his disciples, Jesus calls all people to come together around him.”
Reflection
The calling of Peter and Andrew by Jesus is a profound moment that invites us to reflect on our own lives. Just as Jesus called ordinary fishermen to become His closest followers, He calls each of us, regardless of our background or occupation, to follow Him and participate in His mission. This passage challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus’ call in our own lives. Are we ready to leave behind our “nets”—the things that hold us back—and follow Him with trust and commitment? Matthew 4:18 invites us to reflect on our personal calling and how we respond to Jesus’ invitation in our lives. It challenges us to consider how we can participate in the mission of the Church. Just as Peter and Andrew left their nets, we are called to leave behind our old ways and follow Christ wholeheartedly. The willingness to respond to Jesus’ call is a testament to our faith and our desire to be part of His redemptive mission.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Peter and Andrew, who responded immediately to Your Son’s call. Grant us the grace to hear Your call in our own lives and the courage to respond with the same readiness and faith. Help us to leave behind anything that hinders us from following You wholeheartedly. Transform our lives so that we may become “fishers of men,” bringing others to know and love You.
Lord Jesus, guide us in our daily lives to recognize Your presence and Your call. May we be attentive to Your voice and open to Your guidance. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in Your plan for us, even when it requires sacrifice and change.
Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love. Inspire us to live out our vocation with joy and dedication. May our lives reflect the light of Christ to those around us, drawing them closer to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 4:19-20 “He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”
This significant moment occurs as Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee, following His baptism and temptation in the desert. Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen by trade, immediately respond to Jesus’ call, marking the start of their transformation from fishermen to disciples and eventually apostles of Christ.
Catholic Interpretation
The Catholic Church views this passage as a foundational call to discipleship and evangelization. Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is not merely a call to physical proximity but an invitation to adopt His way of life, values, and mission. By promising to make them “fishers of men,” Jesus indicates that their new role will be to bring others into the Kingdom of God. The immediate response of Peter and Andrew underscores the radical nature of discipleship, symbolizing total commitment and a willingness to abandon their former lives and occupations for a greater mission.
Evangelization
The metaphor of fishing for people suggests that just as fishermen gather fish, the disciples are to gather people into the community of believers. This aligns with the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes the importance of evangelization as a duty of all Christians (CCC 905). Through evangelization, the faithful are called to share the Gospel message and bring others to Christ.
Transformation
The call to follow Jesus involves a radical transformation. The disciples leave their nets, symbolizing their old lives, to embrace a new identity and mission. This transformation is a central theme in Catholic teaching, where conversion is seen as a continual process of turning towards God and away from sin (CCC 1427). The readiness of Peter and Andrew to follow Jesus without hesitation highlights the transformative power of His call, setting the stage for their roles as pivotal figures in the early Church.
Community and Mission
The call to be “fishers of men” underscores the communal aspect of the Christian mission. The Church, as the Body of Christ, is tasked with continuing Jesus’ mission on earth. This involves teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Gospel, as seen in Jesus’ ministry (Mt 4:23-25). The Church’s mission is communal, calling all members to work together in spreading the message of Christ and building up the Body of Christ.
Divine Call and Response
Jesus’ words, “Follow me,” signify a divine call to a transformative mission. In the Old Testament, God often called prophets and leaders to follow Him and accomplish specific tasks. For instance, God called Abraham to leave his homeland (Gen 12:1-3), and He called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Ex 3:10). Similarly, Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew is not just to follow Him physically but to embrace a new way of life and mission.
Apostolic Mission
This passage foreshadows the apostolic mission of the Church. After His resurrection, Jesus gives the Great Commission to His disciples: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). The initial call to be “fishers of men” is fully realized in the mission of the apostles to evangelize the world, a mission that the Church continues today. The Church, through its apostolic mission, continues to spread the Gospel and draw people into the faith.
Reflection
Jesus’ call to “follow me” is a personal invitation to each of us. It challenges us to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new life in Christ. This call is not just for a select few but for all who are willing to listen and respond. As Catholics, we are reminded that our faith is not just a private matter but a call to active participation in the mission of the Church. We are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and to bring others into the fold through our words and actions.
The immediate response of Peter and Andrew to Jesus’ call challenges us to examine our own readiness to follow Christ. Are we willing to leave behind our “nets” – the things that provide us with security and identity – in order to pursue a deeper relationship with God? This passage invites us to trust in God’s providence and to prioritize our spiritual journey over material concerns.
The story of Peter and Andrew highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call. Their willingness to follow Him without hesitation set the stage for their roles as foundational figures in the early Church. It reminds us that answering God’s call can lead to a life of profound purpose and fulfillment. Reflect on how you can respond to Jesus’ invitation in your daily life and consider how you can be a fisher of men in your family, workplace, and community. Through faith, hope, and love, may we lead others to Christ and fulfill our part in the Church’s mission.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who calls us to follow Him and become fishers of men. Grant us the grace to respond to His call with faith and courage. Help us to leave behind our old ways and embrace the new life You offer. May we be instruments of Your love and mercy, bringing others into Your Kingdom. Strengthen us in our mission and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so that we may proclaim the Gospel with joy and conviction. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 4:21-22 “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. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
In these verses, Jesus calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to follow Him. This calling is significant for several reasons:
1. Immediate Response: James and John immediately leave their boat and their father to follow Jesus. This demonstrates their willingness to abandon their livelihood and familial ties to answer Jesus’ call. Their response exemplifies the radical commitment required to follow Christ.
2. Symbolism of the Boat and Nets: The boat and nets symbolize their former life and occupation. Leaving these behind signifies a transition from their previous life to a new mission as disciples of Jesus. This act of leaving everything behind is a powerful testament to their faith and trust in Jesus.
3. Family Dynamics: The inclusion of Zebedee in the narrative highlights the familial aspect of their decision. Leaving their father represents a significant sacrifice, indicating that following Jesus may require prioritizing Him above even family ties. This aligns with Jesus’ later teachings about the cost of discipleship (Mt 10:37).
The Catholic Church teaches that the call to follow Jesus is a call to a radical transformation of life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the willingness to forsake all for the sake of Christ:
– Discipleship and Sacrifice: “The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it” (CCC 1816). This involves a readiness to make sacrifices, as exemplified by James and John.
– Priority of Christ: The Church teaches that love for Christ must surpass all other loves, including familial relationships. “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:37, CCC 2232).
Reflection
The calling of James and John invites us to reflect on our own willingness to follow Jesus. Are we ready to leave behind our “boats and nets” – the comforts and securities of our current life – to embark on the journey of discipleship? This passage challenges us to examine our priorities and consider what we might need to sacrifice to truly follow Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of James and John, who left everything to follow Your Son, Jesus. Grant us the grace to respond to Your call with the same immediacy and faith. Help us to detach from the things that hold us back and to place You above all else in our lives. May we be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to live as true disciples, spreading Your love and truth in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 4:18-22, we witness the powerful and transformative call of the first disciples by Jesus. As He walks by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus extends an invitation to Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, asking them to leave their nets and become “fishers of men.” Their immediate and decisive response to Jesus’ call demonstrates the profound impact of His presence and the deep faith required to abandon their familiar lives for a greater mission. This passage underscores the essence of discipleship, where following Jesus necessitates a willingness to embrace change, trust in His guidance, and commit to spreading His teachings.
The calling of these ordinary fishermen symbolizes the inclusivity of Jesus’ message and the universal call to discipleship. It highlights that Jesus seeks followers from all walks of life, inviting each of us to partake in His mission. The metaphor of fishing for people captures the essence of evangelization – drawing others into the fold of faith. As we reflect on this passage, we are challenged to consider our own response to Jesus’ call. Are we prepared to leave behind our “nets” and follow Him with unwavering faith? The journey of discipleship invites us to trust in Jesus, embrace His mission, and become instruments of His love and grace in the world.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who responded immediately to Your Son’s call. Grant us the grace to hear Your call in our own lives and the courage to respond with the same readiness and faith. Help us to leave behind anything that hinders us from following You wholeheartedly. Transform our lives so that we may become “fishers of men,” bringing others to know and love You.
Lord Jesus, guide us in our daily lives to recognize Your presence and Your call. May we be attentive to Your voice and open to Your guidance. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in Your plan for us, even when it requires sacrifice and change.
Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love. Inspire us to live out our vocation with joy and dedication. May our lives reflect the light of Christ to those around us, drawing them closer to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.