Mt. 4:12-23
“Lukewarm people call radical what Jesus expected of all his followers.” (Francis Chan)
In today’s gospel passage, we see Jesus beginning his public ministry. It is interesting to note that the place Jesus chooses to begin his ministry and the people whom he selects to carry out that ministry reveal God’s predilection for the marginalized. Jesus could have chosen Jerusalem, the Holy City, to begin preaching and to work signs of the kingdom; instead, he chose Zebulun and Naphtali, the so-called land of gentiles. He goes to this place with the light of good news to show them the way to his Father.
His choice of collaborators needs to be specially noted. Despite the presence of renowned scholars and pious righteous leaders in Jerusalem, Jesus chose Galilean fishermen – the so-called illiterate and uncultured like Simon, Andrew, James, and John – as his first disciples. What was the motivation behind choosing these men? We have no answer. However, the remarkable fact is that these men responded to Jesus at once. It was only the early days of his ministry. They might have heard some news concerning this Galilean preacher, but they were not fully sure of his intentions or whereabouts, yet at once they followed him. When Jesus called James and his brother John, they too did the same. They were mending their nets along with their father and collaborators. They left everything, including their beloved father, boats, nets, etc. If we think reasonably, it is impossible to follow someone after a very short acquaintance. In fact, the response of these men was astounding. Normally, in Jewish culture, the disciples choose their master, mostly because of their liking towards a particular rabbi’s teaching. Contrary to that, we see Jesus choosing his disciples.
The master goes in search of his disciples, and once they are chosen, he teaches them the laws of the kingdom. When Jesus encountered them, they were fishing. The only assurance that Jesus gives them is that they will be fishers of men in the future. It is quite sure that they would not have understood what Jesus meant by being fishers of men. Still, conquered by his grace and love, they follow Jesus.
Being a follower of Jesus is not our choice. “No one can come to me unless they are drawn by the Father who sent me, and I will raise that person up on the last day.” (Jn.6:44) “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” (Jn.15:16) However, it is not solely the Lord’s work, human response is also equally important. The first disciples followed Jesus without knowing their future or giving it a second thought. As we continue our discipleship journey, let us believe in the transforming presence and grace of Jesus in our lives. When Jesus called the disciples, they were merely fishers of men but his loving presence transformed and commissioned them as fishers of men.