Matthew 4:18-25
The home of Jesus was not far from the sea (or lake) called Galilee, on the border of the country of Galilee. There were many people in that part, as several towns were near or on its shores.
The Jordan River flows through the sea of Galilee, bringing fresh water from the mountain streams, so the water is clear and deep, and has many fish. Men with boats and nets made fishing their work.
One day Jesus walked along the shore, and talked with two-men who were putting their net into the water. These men were brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. Jesus told them to follow Him, and He would make them “fishers of men.” Then He spoke to two other fishermen near, to follow Him; they were of another family and brothers, also.
Matthew did not write much about the fishermen, but Luke wrote that Jesus was in the boat of Peter, and told him to cast the net into the deep water, and so many fish were caught that they called for the men near to help them to land. The men were astonished at the great number of fish caught, and were certain that Jesus was Lord, with power over all.
These men had before this heard the prophet John, and believed him about the mighty One to come. Andrew had seen Jesus where John was baptizing, and he had gone for Peter to come to see Him. (See John 1:35-42).
So when Jesus told those men to follow Him; they knew Who He was that they should follow. To become “fishers of men,” meant that they should tell others of the Lord, that they should know Him, also.
After that, Peter, Andrew, James, and John went with Jesus to the towns around, and saw the wonderful things He did for the people, and heard His words. It was one of these men, John, who wrote one of the Gospels. They were not sorry that they followed Jesus, but loved and hored Him, as the Son of God, and their Lord, even to death.
People of other countries outside of Palestine heard of the power of Jesus to cure the sick, and Matthew told that from Syria, people with all kinds of diseases were brought to Jesus and He healed them. The people came from Jerusalem and from across the Jordan, to see and hear Jesus.
How soon did Peter and Andrew foow Jesus? (Matt. 4:20).
How soon did James and John follow Jesus? (Matt. 4:22).
You can read of the great net full of fish in Luke 5:1-11,
Look for the Sea of Galilee on a map.
Galilee was also called Gennesarat, because land of that name was on one side. It was also called the sea of Tiberias, for a large town of that name on its shore.
ML 02/07/1943