The calling of Peter and Andrew by Jesus is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, marking the beginning of their journey as His disciples and setting the stage for their significant roles in the spread of Christianity. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, each providing a unique perspective on the encounter.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the account is concise yet profound. Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV) states:
"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him."
This passage highlights several key elements of the calling. First, Jesus meets Peter and Andrew in their everyday environment, engaging with them in the midst of their daily work. This underscores the accessibility and relatability of Jesus' ministry. He did not seek out the elite or the educated but rather ordinary individuals engaged in humble professions. This choice reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission.
The invitation "Come, follow me" is both simple and profound. It indicates a call to a relationship with Jesus, an invitation to walk alongside Him, learn from Him, and participate in His mission. The promise "I will send you out to fish for people" signifies a transformation of their current occupation into a divine calling. Fishing, a familiar activity for Peter and Andrew, becomes a metaphor for evangelism and discipleship. Jesus is not just calling them to follow Him but to be actively involved in His redemptive work.
The immediate response of Peter and Andrew, leaving their nets at once, demonstrates their faith and willingness to embrace this new calling. Their prompt obedience is a testament to the compelling nature of Jesus' call and their recognition of something extraordinary in Him.
The Gospel of Mark provides a similar account with slight variations. Mark 1:16-18 (NIV) reads:
"As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him."
Mark's narrative echoes the themes of Matthew's account, emphasizing the immediacy of their response and the transformative nature of Jesus' invitation. The consistency between these accounts reinforces the significance of this event in the Gospel tradition.
The Gospel of John, however, provides additional context that enriches our understanding of Peter and Andrew's calling. John 1:35-42 (NIV) describes an earlier encounter:
"The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' They said, 'Rabbi' (which means 'Teacher'), 'where are you staying?' 'Come,' he replied, 'and you will see.' So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter)."
In this account, Andrew is initially a disciple of John the Baptist. Upon hearing John identify Jesus as the "Lamb of God," Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus, leading to a personal encounter. Andrew's immediate reaction is to find his brother Simon (Peter) and bring him to Jesus, declaring that they have found the Messiah. This narrative highlights Andrew's role as a connector, someone who brings others to Jesus, and offers insight into the pre-existing spiritual hunger and readiness of these future apostles.
Jesus' renaming of Simon to Peter (Cephas, meaning "rock") is significant. It foreshadows Peter's future role as a foundational leader in the early Church. This act of renaming signifies a new identity and purpose bestowed upon Peter by Jesus, aligning with the transformative nature of His call.
The calling of Peter and Andrew, as depicted in these Gospel accounts, reveals several important themes about discipleship and the nature of Jesus' ministry. First, it underscores the accessibility of Jesus' call. He meets people where they are, in the midst of their daily lives and work. This demonstrates that the call to follow Jesus is not limited to a specific group or social status but is open to all who are willing to respond.
Second, the immediate and wholehearted response of Peter and Andrew illustrates the nature of true discipleship. Following Jesus often requires leaving behind familiar and comfortable aspects of life, embracing a new and sometimes uncertain path. Their willingness to leave their nets symbolizes a readiness to prioritize their relationship with Jesus and His mission above all else.
Third, the transformation of their occupation from fishing for fish to fishing for people highlights the redemptive and purposeful nature of Jesus' call. He takes what is familiar and repurposes it for His divine mission. This transformation signifies that following Jesus involves a reorientation of one's life and work towards the Kingdom of God.
Lastly, the role of personal relationships in the calling process, as seen in Andrew bringing Peter to Jesus, emphasizes the importance of community and relational evangelism. Discipleship is not just an individual journey but involves bringing others along, sharing the discovery of Jesus with those we love and care about.
In conclusion, the calling of Peter and Andrew to follow Jesus is a rich and multifaceted event that offers profound insights into the nature of discipleship and the inclusive, transformative call of Jesus. It serves as a powerful example of faith, obedience, and the redemptive potential of ordinary lives when surrendered to the purposes of God. Through these Gospel narratives, we are invited to reflect on our own response to Jesus' call and the ways in which we can participate in His mission in our everyday lives.
