Jesus walks beside the Sea of Galilee and encounters fishermen at work. Simon Peter and Andrew are casting a net into the water when Jesus calls them to follow him and says he will make them fishers of people.

They leave their nets and follow. Farther along, James and John are in a boat with their father Zebedee repairing nets. Jesus calls them as well, and they leave the boat and their father.

Luke tells a fuller version centered on Simon Peter. After teaching from Simon’s boat, Jesus tells him to move into deep water and lower the nets.

Simon protests that they have worked all night without catching anything, but he obeys. The catch is so large that the nets begin breaking and another boat must help. Both boats become so full they begin to sink.

Peter falls before Jesus, overwhelmed by his own sinfulness. Jesus tells him not to be afraid and redirects his future toward gathering people.

John’s Gospel preserves additional early encounters. Andrew first follows Jesus after hearing John the Baptist identify him, then brings Simon to meet him. Philip is called and brings Nathanael.

The Gospel accounts differ in sequence and emphasis, but together they portray discipleship as a response to Jesus’ initiative. Ordinary work, family networks, curiosity, fear, and faith all become part of the beginning of a new vocation.