LESSON 5.—JANUARY 31.—JESUS CALLS FOUR DISCIPLES.
(1) "Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon Him and heard the Word of God, that He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; (2) and He saw two boats standing by the lake: but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. (3) And He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat. (4) And when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. (5) And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at Thy word I will let down the nets. (6) And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking; (7) and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (8) But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. (9) For he was amazed, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken; (10) and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. (11) And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all, and followed Him." Golden Text.—"If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples, indeed. John 8:31." (1) Where was the scene of the circumstances that constitute our lesson to-day? Where was the home of Jesus at this time? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) What was standing by the shore of the lake? What were the owners doing? Verse 2. (3) As the crowd pressed upon Jesus, what did He do? Whose boat was it? After pushing the boat out from the land, what did Jesus do? Verse 3. Note 2. (4) When He had finished speaking, what did Jesus request Simon to do? Verse 4. (5) How did Simon answer the Lord's request? Verse 5. Note 3. (6) What was the result of their obedience? What disaster was threatened? Verse 6. Note 4. (7) What then did the men do who had cast the net? What is said of the quantity of fish? Verse 7. Note 5. (8) When Simon saw the miracle, what did he do? What did he say? Verse 8. Note 6. (9) How had the miracle affected those who were with Simon? Verse 9. (10) Also James and John? How did Jesus reply to their amazement? Verse 10. Note 7. (11) After bringing their boats to land, what did the four partners do? Verse 11. Note 8. 1. Jesus had now fully entered upon His ministry, and His fame drew crowds to His side wherever He went. His miracles manifested a singular power, and His teaching betokened an authority that demanded attention. The cities by the Sea of Galilee were now the center of His activities, Capernaum being His temporary home. Matt. 4:13. 2. Simon and his brother Andrew were among the first of the disciples of Jesus (John 1:40-42), but had not yet been formally called to constant companionship with Him. When Jesus went on board the boat He knew that He was on the premises of a friend, and would be welcome to use the property as He pleased. The owners of the boat afterward showed their willingness to sacrifice all for Christ, and that was one trait that qualified them for leaders in the Gospel work. 3. "At Thy word."—Notwithstanding an all-night practical demonstration that they could not catch any fish in that particular spot, the word of Jesus had sufficient weight with Peter to warrant him in trying once more. He would at least be obedient to the One in whom he had professed to believe. This was reasonable and consistent, even tho he did not expect to get any fish. This was another point of qualification for discipleship. 4. The reward of obedience was, in this instance, instantaneous. Faith will bear more severe test as it grows in strength. We are to go on "from faith to faith" (Rom. 1:17) until the whole life is lived "by the faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20). 5. "Beckoned unto their partners," not only to help them secure the prize, but to share in the wonderful catch. So the Gospel invitation is to share in both the privileges and responsibilities of the Master's cause. We are first to be "laborers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9), and then be sharers in the reward—"heirs of God through Christ" (Gal. 4:7). The sequel proved that there was abundance for all. So God's blessings in His creatures are limited only by the capacity to receive. See 2 Kings 4:1-6. 6. A new light seems to have flashed over the mind of Peter as he contemplated the great miracle. He had believed that Jesus was the Messiah—a great man who had arisen to deliver Israel from their bondage—but now he seems to have recognized something of His divine nature and power; and as he did so he recognized his own sinful condition. This was but a natural consequence, as the conviction of sin came of his obedience to the Word in letting down the nets. That conviction was his greatest need. Yet his request, "Depart from me," showed that he had yet to learn a very essential lesson, namely, that it is nearness to Christ that the sinner needs. 7. The partners of Simon also partook of his fear and amazement, but, as he was the one to voice the sentiment of all, Jesus replied to him personally, the reply being for all. Instead of departing, as the bewildered man requested, Jesus allayed his fears, and took him into even closer relationship. So, many times, the impetuous, thoughtless prayers of well-meaning people are ignored and something better supplied. It is well that we have One that "helpeth our infirmities" in the matter of prayer. Rom. 8:26. 8. "Left all, and followed Him."—This was a further obedience of the divine Word, which they were just learning to obey. Matthew and Mark both tell us that they left all "immediately." But, according to Mark, the father of James and John and some "hired men" were left to care for the boats and fish. This great catch of fish was no doubt a great help to those who were dependent upon the labors of the disciples who were called to follow the Lord in the work of the Gospel. The Master did not forget the needs of their families and dependents. And "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of;" so do not be afraid to make any sacrifice that the Master may demand, tho it be to forsake all. He will look out for the consequences of all the demands that He makes.