When Jesus called these two sets of brothers, it was not because of what they were, but because of what He would make of them. Fishermen were trained to go out to harvest the sea whatever the weather, day and night. However, the same life-principles would be needed to be apostles ('sent ones') of Jesus. Until then, there was much for them to learn ('disciple' means 'learner'), as they observed what Jesus did and said, and as they accepted His teaching and put it into practice.

First they were challenged to change their way of life. They knew the rigours of being apprenticed to their fathers; Jesus now instructed them to be His apprentices. Staying as fishermen provided security, and one day the family businesses would belong to them. Leaving the boats imposed an uncertain future on the young men, their fathers and others who depended on the family income. However, at the call of Jesus, they said 'No' to their familiar way of life and 'Yes' to a new life. All they knew was that Jesus would teach them how to catch men instead of fish.

'Catching men' was Jesus' expression for rescuing people who had previously been held captive by Satan (Luke 4:18-19). These people were like fish following their own type of lifestyle, doing the best they could for themselves without any concern for God. The 'fishing' method would not be net or hook or harpoon, but by attracting people to Jesus as the apostles preached the gospel and demonstrated God's saving power. But first, the fishermen had to learn from Jesus; His call demanded a radical change of lifestyle and they responded wholeheartedly.

Discipleship always involves a call to the uncertainty of change. The 'call' is an inescapable inner conviction that God is commanding us to obey. When He calls, everything is safe in His hands. When He teaches, the 'examinations' (the tests of life) will get harder as we progress, but He never leaves us to deal with them alone. Wherever He sends, He always provides. But whenever He calls, and for whatever purpose, the challenge of change needs to be faced. The 'bottom line' question is, 'Do we believe that we will be safe in the hands of Jesus even though the circumstances are out of our control; or do we think that we will only be safe if we stay with what we know and can command'? (For more information about God’s call, click on http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/content/what-god-calling-me.)