Choosing the Disciples
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make you fishers of men.” Immediately after this they left their nets and
boats and followed the Saviour. These humble fishermen recognized
the divine authority of Jesus, and forthwith gave up their regular occu-
pation and left their worldly possessions in obedience to the command
of their Lord.
These four disciples were more closely associated with Jesus in his
earthly life than any of the others. Christ, the light of the world, was
abundantly able to qualify these unlearned fishermen of Galilee for the
high commission he had chosen for them. The words spoken to these
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lowly men were of mighty signification; they were to influence the
world through all time. It seemed a simple thing for Jesus to call those
poor, discouraged men to follow him; but it was an event productive of
tremendous results; it was to shake the world. The quickening power
of God, enlightening the minds of those illiterate fishermen, was to
enable them to spread the doctrines of Christ far and wide, and others
were to take up the task, until it would reach all lands, and be taught in
all ages, winning many to salvation. Thus would the poor fishermen
of Galilee be, indeed, “fishers of men.”
Jesus did not oppose education. The highest culture, if sanctified
by the love and fear of God, receives his approbation. An objection
is sometimes brought against education because Jesus chose ignorant
fishermen for his disciples. But these men were subject to his refining
influence for three years, and the Saviour was the most perfect educator
the world has ever known. The Prince of Life did not choose the
learned lawyers, the scribes and elders, for his disciples, because they
would not follow him. Therefore he chose the humble peasants for his
helpers. The rich and educated among the Jews were exalted by their
own worldly wisdom and self-righteousness, and felt all-sufficient in
themselves, realizing no special need of a Redeemer. Their characters
were fixed, and they would not receive the teachings of Christ. But the
humble fishermen were rejoiced to be connected with the Saviour, and
become co-laborers with him.
As Jesus passed on his way to Jerusalem, he saw Matthew engaged
in his business of tax-gathering. He was a Jew, but when he became
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a publican his brethren despised him. The Jewish people were con-
tinually irritated on account of the Roman yoke. That a despised and
heathen nation should collect tribute of them was a constant reminder
that their power and glory as an independent nation had departed. Their