Jesus Calls His Disciples - Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Calling
Jesus Calls His Disciples: Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Calling
Introduction
The shores of Galilee were bustling with fishermen mending their nets, traders bartering their goods, and families going about their daily lives. It was an ordinary day—until Jesus walked by.
With just a few words, He turned ordinary men into world-changers. He didn’t seek scholars, warriors, or the religious elite. Instead, He called fishermen, a tax collector, and even a zealot. Their stories remind us that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
This is the story of how Jesus chose His disciples—and how their transformation gives us hope that He can use anyone for His glory.
The Call by the Sea
Simon Peter and Andrew: From Fishermen to Fishers of Men
Simon Peter was a rough, impulsive fisherman. He worked hard, swore often, and had little patience for empty words. His brother, Andrew, was quieter but deeply earnest. Both spent their nights casting nets into the Sea of Galilee, hoping for a good catch to feed their families.
One morning, as they washed their nets, a man named Jesus approached. He wasn’t a stranger—Andrew had heard John the Baptist call Him “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Now, Jesus stood before them and said,
“Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
No long speeches. No debates. Just an invitation.
Peter and Andrew looked at each other. Leaving their nets meant leaving their livelihood, their security. Yet something in Jesus’ voice compelled them. Without hesitation, they dropped their nets and followed.
James and John: Leaving More Than Just a Boat
Nearby, James and John—sons of Zebedee—were repairing their nets with their father. They were known as the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), likely for their fiery temperaments. When Jesus called them, they didn’t just leave their nets—they left their father in the boat.
This wasn’t just a career shift; it was a complete surrender. Their obedience cost them something. Yet they followed, not knowing that one day, James would be the first apostle martyred, and John would live to write the Gospel of love.
The Unlikely Disciple: Matthew the Tax Collector
While fishermen were seen as rough but honest, tax collectors were despised. They worked for Rome, often overcharging their own people to pocket extra money. Matthew (also called Levi) was one of them.
Sitting at his tax booth, he was used to glares and muttered insults. But when Jesus walked by, He didn’t sneer or condemn. He simply said,
“Follow me.” (Matthew 9:9)
That was all it took. Matthew got up, left his booth, and threw a feast for Jesus—inviting all his sinner friends. The religious leaders were scandalized. “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” they asked (Matthew 9:11).
Jesus’ answer? “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)
Matthew, the outcast, became a Gospel writer. His past didn’t disqualify him—it made his testimony powerful.
The Zealot and the Doubter: Simon and Thomas
Simon the Zealot was a political radical, part of a group that wanted to overthrow Rome by force. Then there was Thomas, often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” though his skepticism later turned into profound faith.
Jesus didn’t avoid men with strong opinions or weak faith. He called them anyway, knowing He could transform them.
What Their Calling Teaches Us
1. God Uses Ordinary People
Jesus didn’t recruit from religious schools or powerful families. He chose laborers, outcasts, and hotheads. If He could use them, He can use you.
2. Obedience Often Requires Sacrifice
The disciples left jobs, family, and reputations. Following Jesus isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.
3. Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future
Matthew was a cheat, Peter had a temper, Thomas doubted—yet Jesus saw their potential. No mistake is too big for His redemption.
4. Growth Takes Time
The disciples stumbled, argued, and even failed (Peter denied Jesus three times!). Yet Jesus never gave up on them. He doesn’t give up on us either.
Conclusion: Will You Follow?
Jesus still calls ordinary people today. Maybe you feel unqualified, broken, or overlooked. But His words remain the same:
“Come, follow me.”
He doesn’t demand perfection—just willingness. The disciples’ story proves that when we say “yes” to Jesus, He does extraordinary things through us.
Will you answer His call?
Reflection Questions:
If Jesus called you today, what would you have to leave behind to follow Him?
Which disciple’s story resonates with you the most, and why?
How has God used your weaknesses for His glory?