Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-10
for SUNDAY Scbools.
STAR LESSON FOR FEBRUARY II.
By Rev. ]. E. Gilbert, DID,,
JESUS CALLING FISHERMEN" Luke vain.

| INTRODUCTION The rejection at
Nazareth. dishonorable to its people.
doubtless advanced the cause of Christ.
| 1t was an early exhibit of the spirit
| which never rested until Jesus hung on
| the cross. 1t revealed His power under
persecution; it severed forever the ties
which bound Him to those who were I'M
worthy of Him; 1t prevented any from
charging Him with neglecting His peo-
| pie: 1T sent Him forth to better fields and
| larger usefulness. 2. Proceeding directly
| to Capernaum fifteen miles distant Jesus
established His new home. That city was
well adapted to be the center of His la
bors. Situated on the northern shore OF
the Sea of Galilee, sometimes called IT,
berias or Gennesaret, a beautiful body of
fresh water fifteen miles long and seven
wide, 1T was the commercial metropolis
of fertile region of considerable extent
Near by were Chorazin, Bethsaida. Cad
ara, Nippon and Liberals. hourishing
| towns, with which there was frequent in
tereourse. In removing to Capernaum
Jesus fulfilled prophecy concerning the
Messiah Elsa. kid. He seemed to have
had the place in mind previously, for He
made 1t briefer visit after the miracle
at the wedding John ii:12). Besides,
the town was the residence of the noble
man whose son He had recently cured
lJohn iV:4o), from whom He might, there
fore, expect favor. And four of His disci-
pies resided there and two others near
by. g. These disciples were not perma-
nently attached to Jesus. They were with
Him at the Jordan (John 1887 TAD, in Cana
lJohn n:2), in Jerusalem (John HID, in
Samarfa (John iv:S). Perhaps they were
not in Nazareth, or If they were perhaps
they fled during the excitement there At
any rate, they preceded Him to Caper-
naum and entered upon their old pursuit.
4. 1t became necessary to win back and
hold His disciples. Walking by the sea-
Jesus saw them fishing. They responded
to His call and left their nets mark
i:16-1S). Then follows the narrative of
the present lesson.
EVENTS. Jesus and His disciples
standing on the shore attracted attention.
The crowd soon gathered, ever eager TO
hear the Great Teacher. Their number
increased so that he could not be easily
seen or heard, except by those near by.
Entering Simon's boat, which was thrust
out little from the shore, He addressed
the people. 2. The sermon ended, Jesus
requested Simon to launch out into the
deep water for a draught of fishes. The
apostle replied that he had toiled all
night without success, but at the Masters
word he obeyed. And behold. q great
number of fishes were Enclosed so that
the net was nearly breaking. Whereupon
the other disciples, being called, came to
help them, and both boats were filled
with fish. 3. The impetuous Peter, seeing
such miracle, fell at Jesus feet, urged
Him to depart and declared his unworthi-
ness to be associated with a being of such
power. Likewise all the other fishermen
were amazed. 4. But Jesus Gained the
fears of Peter, assuring him that he
should become a fisher of men. Bringing
their boats and the contents to land, the
disciples Immediately left their vocation
and followed Jesus. Henceforth they were
to be His constant loyal disciples in train
Ing for apoStleShip.
ANALYSIS-These events may be
easily and prof1tably grouped as follows:
i. The Seaside Sermon, in which
should be considered the Preacher
Pulpit (the sandy beach of the sea). Let
the mind reflect on these subordinate
points and then combine them in framing
the main topic.
2. The Fishing Party, In which
should be considered the Start (the set
ting forth at the Savior's bidding); the
Catch (the immense quantity of fish gath
cred into the metz; the Help (the assist
ance rendered by other fishermen
8. The Amazed Disciples, as indi-
Gated in the fear displayed by those who
beheld the miracle; the cry of Peter; the
great calm that came over the sea.
4. The Willing Followers, the Forsaking
of the nets; the Going after Jesus, who had
won the admiration of all; the object as
expressed by Jesus and presented to the
disciples.
COMMENTS. Doubtless this whole
occurrence was in the interest of the dis
ciples. They heard the doctrines, wit
messed the power, received the commits
sion, followed the fortunes of Jesus. 2.
The preaching at the sea was incidental.
Jesus improved a favorable opportunity. as
He usually did, to speak to the multitude.
Not in the synagogue alone. but In the
open air, In any place at any time. he spoke
the word of life. 8. Crowds pressed for
ward to hear Jesus. What became OF
them? There is no mention of conversions.
4. Peter went to hear Jesus after night