Who was the first disciple Jesus called?

The Gospels provide a rich tapestry of narratives that detail the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and among these, the calling of the first disciples stands out as a pivotal moment in the establishment of the early Christian community. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the first disciple Jesus called was Simon Peter, also known simply as Peter, along with his brother Andrew. This event is described in Matthew 4:18-20:

"And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' They immediately left their nets and followed Him." (Matthew 4:18-20, NKJV)

This moment is not just a historical account but a profound theological statement about the nature of discipleship and the kingdom of God. Let us delve deeper into the significance of this calling and what it reveals about Jesus' ministry and the response of those who followed Him.

The Context of the Call

The setting of this calling is by the Sea of Galilee, a region known for its fishing industry. Simon Peter and Andrew were engaged in their daily work as fishermen when Jesus approached them. This choice of location and occupation is significant. Fishing was a common and humble profession, far removed from the religious elite or political power centers. By calling fishermen, Jesus was making a statement about the inclusivity and reach of His message. The kingdom of God was not just for the learned or the powerful but for ordinary people engaged in ordinary tasks.

The Nature of the Call

When Jesus said to Simon Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men," He was using language that resonated with their current occupation but elevated it to a divine purpose. The phrase "fishers of men" suggests a mission to gather people into the kingdom of God, much like they gathered fish into their nets. This call was not merely an invitation to follow a teacher but a summons to participate in a transformative mission.

The immediacy of their response—"They immediately left their nets and followed Him"—highlights their willingness to abandon their livelihood and security to follow Jesus. This radical commitment is a hallmark of true discipleship. It underscores the totality of the call to follow Jesus, which often requires leaving behind one's former way of life.

The Person of Simon Peter

Simon Peter, often simply called Peter, is a central figure in the New Testament and the early Christian church. His name, Peter, given by Jesus, means "rock" (John 1:42), signifying the foundational role he would play in the nascent Christian community. Peter's journey of faith is marked by moments of profound insight and deep failure, making him a relatable and human figure. For instance, Peter was the first to confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16), yet he also famously denied Jesus three times during His arrest and trial (Matthew 26:69-75).

Peter's calling and subsequent journey illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' call. Despite his flaws and failures, Peter was restored and commissioned by the resurrected Christ to "feed My sheep" (John 21:17), signifying his role as a leader and shepherd of the early church.

The Role of Andrew

Andrew, Peter's brother, is often overshadowed by Peter's prominent role, but he too plays a significant part in the Gospel narratives and the early church. Andrew is known for his role in bringing people to Jesus. In John 1:40-42, it is Andrew who first follows Jesus and then brings his brother Simon Peter to meet Him. This act of introducing others to Jesus is a vital aspect of Andrew's discipleship and serves as a model for all believers.

The Broader Implications

The calling of Simon Peter and Andrew has broader implications for understanding the nature of Jesus' ministry and the kingdom of God. First, it underscores the idea that Jesus' call is universal and inclusive. He calls people from all walks of life, demonstrating that the kingdom of God is open to all who are willing to follow Him.

Second, the call to be "fishers of men" emphasizes the missional aspect of discipleship. Following Jesus is not a passive activity but an active participation in His mission to bring others into the kingdom of God. This missional focus is reiterated in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Third, the immediate and radical response of Peter and Andrew serves as a model for all believers. Discipleship requires a willingness to leave behind one's former life and embrace the new life offered by Jesus. This may involve sacrifices and challenges, but it also promises a deeper and more meaningful existence rooted in the purposes of God.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the calling of the first disciples highlights several key themes. One is the concept of vocation, which in Christian terms refers to a calling from God to a particular way of life or mission. The call of Peter and Andrew illustrates that vocation is not limited to religious or clerical roles but encompasses all aspects of life. Whether one is a fisherman, a teacher, a doctor, or a parent, one's work can be a means of participating in God's redemptive mission.

Another theme is the transformative power of Jesus' call. Peter and Andrew were ordinary fishermen, but through their encounter with Jesus, they were transformed into key figures in the early church. This transformation is not just about a change in occupation but a fundamental reorientation of one's life towards God and His purposes.

Conclusion

The calling of Simon Peter and Andrew as the first disciples of Jesus is a moment rich with meaning and significance. It reveals the inclusive and transformative nature of Jesus' ministry, the radical commitment required of His followers, and the missional focus of true discipleship. By calling ordinary fishermen to be "fishers of men," Jesus demonstrated that the kingdom of God is open to all and that every believer has a role to play in His redemptive mission. As we reflect on this calling, we are invited to consider our own response to Jesus' call and how we can participate in His work of bringing others into the kingdom of God.