The Miraculous Catch and the Calling of the Disciples

On the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret, the crowd presses around Jesus to hear the word of God. He steps into Simon’s boat and, pushed out a little from the land, teaches the crowd. Then he says to Simon, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Simon objects: “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” The catch is so huge that the net breaks. They signal their partners in the other boat, and both boats fill so full that they begin to sink. Overcome with awe, Simon Peter falls at Jesus’ knees: “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” James and John, the sons of Zebedee, his partners, are just as astonished. Jesus reassures him: “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Bringing their boats to land, they leave everything and follow him.