The Disciples are Chosen

Summary

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Episode Summary: "The Disciples are Chosen"

Podcast: The Jesus Podcast
Host: Ethan (Pray.com)
Date: July 25, 2026

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores the profound, intimate moments when Jesus chooses his twelve disciples. Through dramatic storytelling and theological reflection, listeners are invited to witness not merely a historical selection, but an invitation into deeper relationship, radical transformation, and a new way of living out faith. At its core, the episode emphasizes that discipleship begins with being with Jesus before doing for Jesus—a message as relevant now as it was two millennia ago.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Call of the Disciples: Humble Beginnings

• Setting the Scene ([00:00-02:39])

  • The episode opens with a reflection on Matthew 22:14—"For many are called, but few chosen"—and a heartfelt prayer acknowledging the grace and purpose in being called by God.
  • The narrator describes Jesus surveying the people from a mountain, seeing "sheep without a shepherd," needing guidance and hope.

• Jesus’ Perspective on the Harvest ([02:39-03:03])

  • Memorable Quote:

    "The harvest is plentiful. There is no shortage of people longing for hope. Do not pray for the people to come, for they are already among you. No, pray for the laborers. Pray for men and women to rise up and work in the field." — Jesus ([02:39])

  • Jesus initiates the process, focusing on equipping workers, not just gathering crowds.

• Choosing the Twelve ([03:03-05:57])

  • Jesus selects disciples not based on skill, wisdom, or social standing, but on hearts and even weaknesses:

    • Peter: impulsive but born leader
    • James & John: enthusiastic "Sons of Thunder"
    • Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew: quiet and humble
    • Matthew: tax collector
    • Thomas: skeptic
    • Simon the Zealot: former revolutionary
    • Judas Iscariot: the one who would betray him

  • Jesus' relationship with his disciples is marked by closeness and everyday connection ("Moments sitting by the campfire, sharing stories, laughing"), showing the relational heart of discipleship.

  • Memorable Quote:

    "They would learn to be with God before doing anything for God." — Narrator ([05:01])

• The Cost and Standard of Discipleship ([05:57-06:55])

  • Jesus’s dramatic call to self-denial:

    “Whoever desires to come after me must first pick up his cross and follow me... For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” — Jesus ([05:57])

  • The call isn't to ritual or status, but to real sacrifice and service.

Dramatic Retelling of the Calling

• Meeting the Messiah—Through the Eyes of John’s Disciples ([08:47-12:00])

  • Two disciples, at John the Baptist's suggestion, encounter Jesus. They’re initially skeptical and tongue-tied, but Jesus warmly invites, "Come with me and you will see." ([11:58])

• The Invitation to Belong ([14:06-16:17])

  • Andrew and Philip, after intimate conversation, realize Jesus's true identity. Philip exclaims:

    "You're him. You're actually him. How could I miss it?" — Philip ([16:17])

  • The invitation is deeply personal and relational.

• Call of Nathanael (Bartholomew): Seen and Known ([30:38-32:57])

  • Jesus greets Nathanael:

    "Nathanael. An Israelite in whom there is no deceit. A truly good man." — Jesus ([30:38])

  • Jesus references seeing Nathanael under the fig tree—a private moment only God could know—causing Nathanael to declare:

    "Rabbi, truly you are the Son of God. You're the one we've been waiting for." — Nathanael ([32:26])

  • Jesus assures him, "You will see far greater things than that..." ([32:45])

• Miraculous Catch & The Cost of Following ([19:40-29:12])

  • Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, after a fruitless night of fishing, witness a miraculous catch at Jesus’s instruction.

  • In awe, Peter says:

    "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." — Peter ([27:43])

  • Jesus responds with the famous commission:

    "Follow me, Simon. Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men." ([28:15])

  • The fishermen leave everything—boats, nets, and livelihood—to follow Jesus into an uncertain, hope-filled future.

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Host’s Deep Dive and Reflections

Theological Insight: The Progression of Discipleship ([33:35-end])

• Prayerful Foundation

  • Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing his apostles—underscoring discernment, dependence, and the gravity of the decision ([33:35]).

• Relationship Before Mission

  • Key Insight:

    "The first thing he called them to do was simply to be with him... That's the heart of discipleship. It's about relationship before it's about mission." — Ethan, Host ([33:57])

  • The ancient disciple wasn’t just a student, but attached, absorbed, and shaped through deep relationship.

• Who Jesus Chooses

  • Jesus intentionally calls ordinary, imperfect people—not scholars or elites:

    "Jesus doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He doesn't look for perfect people. He looks for willing hearts." — Ethan ([35:06])

• Implication for Listeners

  • The host challenges listeners:

    "Our first priority is to be with Jesus, to spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and from that place...make a difference in the world."

  • Following Jesus is an invitation to intimacy as the wellspring for all meaningful action.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Look out at them. The harvest is plentiful...pray for the laborers.” — Jesus ([02:39])
• “They would learn to be with God before doing anything for God.” — Narrator ([05:01])
• “Whoever desires to come after me must first pick up his cross and follow me...For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” — Jesus ([05:57])
• “Come with me and you will see.” — Jesus ([11:58])
• “You're him. You're actually him. How could I miss it?” — Philip ([16:17])
• “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” — Peter ([27:43])
• “Follow me, Simon. Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men.” — Jesus ([28:15])
• “Rabbi, truly you are the Son of God. You're the one we've been waiting for.” — Nathanael ([32:26])
• “You believe because I told you I saw you under a fig tree...you will see far greater things than that.” — Jesus ([32:39])
• “The first thing he called them to do was simply to be with him...That's the heart of discipleship.” — Ethan, Host ([33:57])
• “Jesus doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” — Ethan, Host ([35:06])

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

00:00 – Opening prayer and theme of being chosen
02:39 – Jesus’s perspective on the crowds; call for laborers
03:03 – The naming and background of the twelve disciples
05:57 – Jesus calls for self-denial and radical commitment
07:54 – [Advertisement omitted]
08:47 – Storytelling: Encounters begin (John’s disciples, Philip, Simon, Nathanael)
19:40 – The fishermen’s struggle and miraculous catch
27:43 – Simon Peter’s confession and Jesus’s invitation
30:38 – Nathanael’s call and revelation
33:35 – Host’s reflection on prayer, calling, and relationship
35:00+ – Application to modern discipleship; conclusion

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Tone and Takeaway

The episode’s tone is a rich fusion of cinematic storytelling and pastoral reflection—vivid, relatable, and deeply reverent. Listeners are left with an invitation: before striving to do “great things” for God, to accept Jesus’s call to simply be with Him, allowing intimacy and transformation to fuel all they do. The disciples' experiences—rooted in humility, brokenness, and newfound hope—echo the invitation extended to all who hear: Come, see, follow, and be transformed.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

For many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 22:14 Dear Lord, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for your infinite love and mercy. We thank you for calling us into your kingdom and for the gift of salvation. We acknowledge our deep need for you. We recognize that it is not by our own merit that we are called, but by your grace and divine purpose. Help us to understand the significance of being chosen by you and to live our lives in a way that honors this calling. Transform our hearts, Father, so that we may be worthy of the calling we have received. Instill in us a deep desire to follow your will and seek your guidance in all that we do. Grant us the wisdom and courage to live out our faith boldly, even when the path is challenging. Empower us, Lord, to be a force for good in our families, communities and workplaces. May we reflect your love and truth in our actions, serving as a light to those around us. Strengthen us to persevere in our faith, knowing that many are called, but few are chosen. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast Gospel Stories crafted to build your faith and awaken your imagination. If this podcast has offered value to your faith, we'd love it if you would follow, leave a review and share with a friend Jesus took some of his followers up to a mountain. The crowd followed them and remained at the bottom. Jesus paused and looked out at the sea of faces. He did not see what others saw. He saw sheep that were without a shepherd. They needed guidance. They needed to be empowered and enlivened by God's Spirit. There were a few followers beside him. He looked at them and pointed down at the crowd.

[Jesus]

Look out at them. The harvest is plentiful. There is no shortage of people longing for hope. Do not pray for the people to come, for they are already among you. No, pray for the laborers. Pray for men and women to rise up and work in the field. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

[Narrator]

With those words, Jesus appointed 12 men to be his apostles, chosen men who would follow Jesus everywhere. These men were not chosen for their wisdom, influence or skill. Each of them had gifts and each of them had flaws. They were imperfect vessels chosen by God to do mighty works. God chose them for their hearts, but also their weaknesses. For in their weakness, God is shown to be strong. He chose Simon, who he would now call Peter, which means rock. Peter was loudmouthed and made rash decisions, yet within him was the heart of a leader. He chose James and John, the sons of Zebedee he nicknamed them Sons of Thunder for their fire and enthusiasm. However, it often got the better of them. He chose Andrew, Philip and Bartholomew, the silent and humble servants. He chose Matthew, the tax collector and Thomas the skeptic. He chose James, the son of Alpheus. One of the most unique men he chose was Simon the Zealot. He was one of the notorious dagger men, a league of assassins trying to overthrow Roman rule. However, Simon renounced his old ways for the sake of following Christ. Finally, he chose Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray him. He chose him and loved him despite knowing who he would become. This was the heart of Christ. Jesus first call to the twelve was for them to be with him. Their closeness to Jesus would prove to be the source of their strength. Moments sitting by the campfire, sharing stories, laughing would prove to be useful. They would learn to be with God before doing anything for God. So they too would not grow prideful like the Pharisees. Out of that relationship, Jesus would send them out to preach, heal and cast out demons in his name. The disciples were empowered by Jesus and their strength grew day by day.

[Jesus]

Whoever desires to come after me must first pick up his cross and follow me. Whoever holds his life too dear to lay it down will lose his life. However, whoever loses his life for my sake would truly find it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?

[Narrator]

Jesus called his disciples to a higher standard than the Pharisees or scribes. He called them to deny themselves instead of elevate themselves. He did not call them to religious repetition or vain practices. He called them to lay down their lives, money and convenience so that others may thrive. Jesus would model this Himself. He would sacrifice everything so that people could be renewed.

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[Ethan (Host)]

we can do nothing for Jesus unless we first learn to be with Jesus. Ministry flows from intimacy. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com Today is day two of our mini series on Jesus disrupting the status quo and showing us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus teachings and passion and we will learn about God's heart for people and for his kingdom. Today we're going to take a journey up a mountain with Jesus as he makes one of the most important decisions of his ministry. Choosing His 12 disciples this moment in Mark, chapter 3, verses 13 through 15 may seem like a simple selection process, but it's filled with lessons that are just as relevant to us today as they were 2000 years ago.

[Narrator]

John the Baptist and two of his disciples strode down the dirt path with no destination in mind. They allowed their minds to focus on the conversations at hand. After Jesus baptism, John's disciples took any moment with him they could to ask the questions that were bubbling up in their minds.

[Philip]

Is it true?

[Ethan (Host)]

Is the Messiah really here?

[Simon]

What does he look like? How will we know who he is?

[Narrator]

Looking down the road, John raised his arms with a wide smile spread across his face.

[Philip]

It seems as though the Lord has heard your endless questions. Look there.

[Narrator]

Do you see that man way up ahead? A young man was casually making his way in the same direction. The stranger had no distinct features and was most unassuming to anyone who might pass by him. Thinking John would use this man to tell a parable or teach them a lesson, Andrew responded, yes, we see him,

[Simon]

but how does that answer our questions?

[Narrator]

Mm.

[Philip]

You see him, but did you look for that man there? He is the Lamb of God. He is the one I was talking about when I said, there is one who comes after me because he was before me.

[Narrator]

The two disciples stopped in their tracks and turned to face one another. The they could hardly believe what they were hearing.

[Simon]

The Lamb of God. What do you mean?

[Philip]

When that man, Jesus of Nazareth, came to me to be baptized, I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. If you have heard any of my words, hear this. This is God's chosen one. My friends, I think your days of following me are coming to an end.

[Narrator]

At this, the two men made their way to Jesus. On hearing their shuffled steps, the Lord turned around. His face was gentle, but he stood with confidence. The two disciples of John stood dumbfounded, unable to utter any words. Their thoughts bounced around in their heads. With a wry smile, Jesus was the first to break the silence.

[Jesus]

Shalom. Shalom. At the Risk of sounding rude. What do you want? If you're here to rob me, you'll be hard pressed to find anything of value.

[Simon]

We don't want to rob you. It's just. You see, we're disciples of John the Baptizer, and. Well, he said, you're all.

[Narrator]

Andrew stumbled over his words, looking to his companion to carry on.

[Philip]

You're the Teacher of Nazareth, are you not? Rabbi, if it's not an intrusion, might we ask where you're staying?

[Narrator]

Jesus was encouraged by the directness, but now was the time to give them a chance to show their faith.

[Jesus]

Come with me and you will see.

[Narrator]

The two disciples gazed back to John. Not wanting to leave him, the baptizer simply smiled and gestured his hands forward as though he had already known their time together was coming to an abrupt end. Jesus spent the rest of the day with the two men, giving them every ounce of attention they craved. He answered questions, asked about their lives, and told stories of his own. If one didn't know any better, they would have assumed Jesus was an ordinary man. But the disciples knew they were in the presence of someone truly great. With every second spent with Jesus, their belief in him grew. Jesus inhaled the frigid morning air, allowing the cold free to wake him from his sleep. He savored these quiet moments of solitude. He had quite enjoyed the previous day with John's disciples, but was glad to rise early to spend time with his Father in preparation for the day ahead. After his baptism, Jesus had begun to preach in Galilee. Now that John John was in prison, Jesus pressed on in his wake, teaching on repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God. And today, Jesus would continue on his way to Galilee. After he prayed, ate, and packed what little belongings he kept with himself on these journeys he set off. It wasn't uncommon for Jesus to encounter another traveler to share the road with. And today was no different. Up ahead, a young man was strolling down the road, singing to himself as he went along. Jesus quickened his pace slightly to catch up.

[Jesus]

Shalom. I couldn't help but notice you're walking alone and, well, I cannot say I'm not a fan of your music, so perhaps we could keep each other company.

[Philip]

Shalom, brother. Some company would be very welcome. However, you're the first person I've met who has ever complimented me on my voice. In fact, you're the first person who hasn't told me to stop.

[Narrator]

Upon hearing it, Jesus gave a little laugh. It was always nice to meet someone who didn't take themselves so seriously and

[Jesus]

does our young composer have a name?

[Philip]

Oh, yes. How rude of me. I'm Philip.

[Jesus]

Pleasure to meet you, Philip. I'm Jesus.

[Philip]

What coincidence. I'm a follower of John the Baptist. I'm sure you've heard of him. Well, anyways, he was just telling us about a man named Jesus from Nazareth. Supposedly he is the Messiah.

[Narrator]

Philip continued to hum quietly to himself between his replies.

[Jesus]

Well, that certainly is a big claim. How can this John be so certain he is who he says he is?

[Philip]

Well, according to him, when this Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens opened up and the spirit of God rested upon him.

[Jesus]

May I ask what you make of these claims?

[Narrator]

Jesus was careful to ask each question, casually drawing out Philip's most sincere thoughts on the matter.

[Philip]

In all my time with John, I've never met a man with more faith than he. I have no reason to believe anything contradictory to John's teachings.

[Narrator]

Jesus stopped walking. It took Philip a moment before he realized. Stopping, he turned back to his new acquaintance. Jesus stood still, staring into Philip's eyes, though he felt like he was looking straight into his soul.

[Jesus]

Follow me.

[Narrator]

Philip simply stared back as his mind began to connect the dots of their conversation. With a beaming smile, Philip finally found his voice again.

[Philip]

You're him. You're actually him. How could I miss it?

[Jesus]

Well, your song was very captivating. Even I was distracted by the tune.

[Narrator]

Philip would have been a little embarrassed if it weren't for the joy welling up inside of him from this stranger's newly revealed identity. The evening was beginning to set in as the marketplace carried the sleepy sounds of merchants closing up their shops for the day. The streets were filled with a creaking of crates being packed away as donkeys brayed in anticipation to leave. Nathaniel trudged through the market, avoiding eye contact with anyone he recognized. Each day was spent behind a mask of forced smiles while he danced through the expectations of social interactions. It took Nathaniel every ounce of energy to be who he thought the world was wanted him to be. Lately, he would spend the end of most days away from the city in a quiet spot under a fig tree. This was one of the few times he would allow himself to show his brokenness before the Lord. Working his way back through the city streets. All he wanted was to retreat into his blink and hide away from the world. He rounded the corner and bumped into a close friend.

[Philip]

Philip.

[Simon]

Shalom, Philip.

[Narrator]

How are you? Philip smiled like he had a surprise for Nathaniel, his eyes shining with concealed delight.

[Philip]

Nathaniel, what are you doing tonight? I have someone I want you to meet.

[Simon]

Well, you know how much I just loved sitting listening to the baptizer for three hours the last time I went to see one of your preachers. But it is getting quite late. Perhaps you can have him come visit my shop tomorrow. I'd love to introduce him to a few of my clients. They could help his movement. Or maybe I could.

[Narrator]

Philip interrupted his friend. He couldn't contain himself any longer. Philip zealously shared about his experience on the way back to Bethesda, explaining that the Jesus of Nazareth he had met on the road was the very Messiah of whom the prophets foretold. Nathanael didn't have the same sort of childlike faith as his friend. It would have been hard enough to believe Philip just happened to find the Messiah on the road to Galilee. But to hear that this man came from Nazareth gave Nathanael a good laugh. But Philip wouldn't relent. So Nathanael begrudgingly agreed to meet with the rabbi. Simon wrestled in his sleep. A faint flicker of a lantern's light peered through his window, resting upon his heavy eyes. Outside, he could hear a hushed shout from a voice that was all too familiar to him.

[Simon]

Simon. Simon.

[Narrator]

It was his brother Andrew. If Andrew was out front, it meant that yet again Simon was late. Taxes had only continued to increase over the past few months as the fish seemed to all but dwindle away. A good fisherman knew the best bet of catching anything worthwhile would be at night when the fish had a harder time navigating around the net. But sleep had become difficult for Simon as he constantly worried about providing for his wife. Waking up in the lake evening hours was becoming a pain. As Simon laid there, he wondered if the problem was with the sea or with himself. His mind began to drift off in his half sleep state, dreaming of the days when he and Andrew were just boys and their biggest concern was memorizing Torah. But his thoughts were interrupted by soft knocks on the door.

[Simon]

I'm coming.

[Philip]

I'm coming. Can you keep it down? Miriam's already asleep.

[Simon]

Could you maybe wake up on time for once?

[Philip]

Maybe I would if I thought I could pay off for once. We keep trying to catch these fish, but somehow they're always one step ahead of us.

[Simon]

How can they be a step ahead of us if they don't even have feet?

[Narrator]

Simon struggled to find any humor in their predicament. Though Andrew didn't have a wife to provide for, he knew that his older brother was struggling just as much as he was to make ends meet. If he were in a better mood, he would have commended his brother for his positive attitude.

[Simon]

Besides, how could you be worried about fish with the good news that John proclaimed to us before he was arrested?

[Philip]

Here we go again. Listen, you know this baptizer guy better than I do, but are you sure you want to take the advice of a man who eats bugs for breakfast?

[Simon]

Very funny. But I met him. Simon, the Lamb of God. I saw him with my own two eyes.

[Philip]

Well, if your eyes work so well, why don't you try using them to spot some fish tonight, huh?

[Narrator]

The brothers embarked on another midnight mission, praying desperately that tonight would be different. Minutes faded away into hours. Simon turned his eyes to the horizon as the sun crawled over the hills. He dropped his head hard against the mast, grumbling to his brother. They hauled in their empty nets before rowing to the shore. The sun greeted the brothers as they pulled in their boats. The waves were calm, caressing the dusty shoreline. The brothers hopped onto the shore, knelt over the cool water and began to wash out their nets. They had worked tirelessly in the pitch black of night with nothing to show them. Up off the shoreline stood a gathering of people. Off the road, men and women trickled in, joining their ranks. Simon and Andrew took notice. Offset from the crowd stood a single person. From his body language, it was clear the crowd was listening to him speak. Andrew squinted his eyes, trying to catch a clearer picture of the focus of the people's attention.

[Simon]

Simon, you won't believe this, but I think that's the man I met. That's Jesus of Nazareth.

[Narrator]

At these words, Jesus turned and caught Andrew's eyes as though the sound of his name being spoken tickled his ears. Jesus motioned to the crowd and began pacing toward the fisherman.

[Simon]

He's. He's coming this way.

[Narrator]

As Jesus neared the fisherman, he greeted them with a warm smile.

[Jesus]

Shalom, Andrew. It's good to see you again. Though I must admit I could smell you before I saw you this time.

[Narrator]

Jesus chuckled as his eyes turned towards the half cleaned nets strewn about the ground. Andrew blushed in slight embarrassment, noting the man's rabbinical sash. Simon tried to maintain some level of respect, though his tiredness couldn't help him from feeling slightly aggravated by Jesus remark.

[Philip]

Our deepest apologies for doing our job, Rabbi.

[Narrator]

Andrew quickly gave his brother a sharp look.

[Simon]

Please forgive my brother, Rabbi. He's. He's tired. You see. We've been fishing all night and. Well, we don't really have much to show for it.

[Jesus]

It's quite alright. But perhaps you and your brother wouldn't mind allowing me to use your boat. It seems with all these People here, they might be able to hear me better if I were up there.

[Narrator]

Before Simon could argue, Andrew gleefully invited the man up onto the boat. Standing above the crowds, Jesus began to preach. Everyone was transfixed by his words, including Andrew. Simon barely paid any mind to the teaching, dozing off as best he could. Just as he felt he could get comfortable on the makeshift platform, Jesus turned to Simon and Andrew.

[Jesus]

Thank you for letting me borrow your boat. Here, let me do something for you. Let's go out into the deep so you can cast your nets for a catch.

[Narrator]

Simon wasn't sure how more work for him out on the empty sea was a thank you, Rabbi, with all due

[Philip]

respect, we've been fishing all night. There is no fish out there for us.

[Narrator]

He looked up at Jesus as their eyes connected. Simon, sensing an earnestness from the man, finally relented.

[Philip]

Nevertheless, at your word, I'll try again.

[Narrator]

The two brothers rode the boat out a few dozen yards. The water was glassy and still. With a reluctant sigh, Simon cast out the net. He sat down and waited. A few moments passed, and Simon looked at Jesus with a raised eyebrow, as if to say, told you so. But just then, Simon heard the sound of tightening rope. The nets became taut, and the boat leaned over. Simon and Andrew tumbled to the side and looked at the water. It was bubbling with activity.

[Philip]

Pull. Pull the nets harder. Andrew, if we don't hold this in soon, they're going to break.

[Narrator]

Noticing the commotion, the brothers James and John began frantically rowing their own boat over to help their business partners. The four men strained every muscle in their body. Years of fishing had trained their bodies to pull in just the right motions, following the natural fightings of the fish.

[Philip]

Almost there. Just a few more pushes.

[Narrator]

Simon's arms felt tighter than the nets, and his hands burned under the moving rope. Jesus joined in and grabbed the edge of the net. With one final pull, they brought the catch into the boat. Fish scattered throughout the deck, so much so that the ship began to sink. James and John began loading fish onto their boat to keep Simon's from sinking. Andrew, James, and John began rowing the boats back to shore. As Simon took in the miraculous sight in front of him, the reality of who Jesus was set in. He fell to his knees before Jesus.

[Philip]

Depart from me, Lord. Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.

[Narrator]

Andrew, James, and John worked silently as they watched intently, waiting to hear what Jesus might say in response. Their hearts were consumed with the same awe that had befallen Simon. Jesus knelt down, pulling Simon's chin up to meet his gaze. He took Simon's face in his hands, comforting the broken fisherman.

[Jesus]

Follow me, Simon. Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men.

[Narrator]

Simon looked Jesus in the eyes. They were glassy and still like the water. His trance was broken as he felt the boats make contact with the rocky shore. Standing to his feet, he looked at the fish that filled his once empty boat. What he would have considered the fortune that would have fixed all his problems, suddenly seemed useless to him. Simon stood up. What did it mean to be a fisher of men? He wasn't exactly sure, but he knew he couldn't help but obey.

[Philip]

It's time for a new season in life. One with far less fish. Perhaps a bit more hope.

[Narrator]

The other fishermen all nodded in agreement. For their entire lives, these four men had been dependent upon fishing. But a new spark of hope for the future caused them to leave it all behind without question. Leaving their nets, boats, and life at sea behind, each one of them determined in their hearts to make following Jesus their new way of life. The sun retreated into the horizon. The clouds had captured the final rays of light, radiating a dark orange like giant oil lamps. Nathaniel followed Philip outside the city to the sea. A large fire was made on the sand, surrounded by familiar faces. James, John, Andrew, and Simon. They stood around the fire, laughing and enjoying each other's company. There was another man among them. He wore the clothes of a craftsman. His smile reflected the warmth of the flame, and his laugh filled the air like the melody of a beloved childhood song. Familiar and comforting. Before Philip could introduce Nathaniel, the stranger looked at him.

[Jesus]

Nathanael. An Israelite in whom there is no deceit. A truly good man.

[Philip]

Welcome.

[Narrator]

Nathanael paused. Insecure and invasive thoughts flooded his mind. How could this stranger know him? And what's more, how could he know the very words Nathanael needed to hear? He cocked his head to the side. He was sure he had never met this man before. But perhaps his memory betrayed him.

[Simon]

How do you know me?

[Narrator]

The man stepped forward, his grin now entirely illuminated by the fire.

[Jesus]

I was with you under the fig tree before Philip called you. I saw you, Nathaniel.

[Simon]

You saw me under the fig tree?

[Narrator]

Nathaniel's voice cracked. Nobody knew about the fig tree. It was a place for him to be alone with his thoughts and pray. The only people who knew about this were Nathaniel and the Lord.

[Jesus]

Could he be?

[Narrator]

Nathaniel's emotions welled up inside him. There was only one explanation for this man seeing Nathaniel under the fig tree. Only one person could have heard his anxious prayers. Perhaps something good had come out of Nazareth after All Nathanael could feel himself breaking, and for once, he didn't hold himself back. For once, Nathaniel felt like someone had seen him and truly known him. He felt like he could breathe without the weight of masked insecurities and hidden imperfections.

[Simon]

Rabbi, truly you are the Son of God. You're the one we've been waiting for.

[Narrator]

Jesus replied with a friendly chuckle, seeming glad at this sudden outburst of emotional display.

[Jesus]

You believe because I told you I saw you under a fig tree.

[Simon]

Oh, my friend.

[Jesus]

You will see far greater things than that, Nathaniel, I tell you. You will see heaven open and angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

[Narrator]

With tears glistening on his cheeks in the firelight, Nathanael looked up at Jesus and nodded. Each of the other men sitting around the campfire knew the exact feelings coursing through Nathan. They had all encountered Jesus of Nazareth, the man whom they knew to be the Messiah. With utmost confidence. They had been plucked from their everyday lives and pulled into something spectacular.

[Ethan (Host)]

Picture the scene. Jesus goes up on the mountain. And this wasn't just a casual stroll. Luke's Gospel tells us that Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before making this decision. That's in Luke chapter 6, verse 12. Jesus was at a critical juncture in his ministry. The religious leaders were plotting against him, and the crowds that followed him were more interested in miracles than in the message of the kingdom. So what does Jesus do? He prays. He prays all night. And then with divine wisdom, he calls to himself those he wanted. Now here's something beautiful. Jesus didn't just call these men to do something for him. The first thing he called them to do was simply to be with him. Mark 3:14 before he sent them out to preach, before he gave them power to heal and cast out demons, he called them to be with him. That's the heart of discipleship. It's about relationship before it's about mission. You see, a disciple in Jesus time wasn't just a student. In the way we think of students today, a disciple didn't just learn facts and figures. A disciple learned by being with the teacher, by watching, listening, and living life together. As theologian Leon Morris puts it, there's a personal attachment in the word disciple that is lacking in student. Jesus understood that if these men were going to turn the world upside down, they needed to spend time with him. They needed to know him, to catch his heart and be filled with his spirit and friends. The same is true for us. Before we can do anything meaningful for Jesus, we need to be with him. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things for God, that we forget to spend time with God. But Jesus shows us here that the power and effectiveness of our ministry, whether it's teaching, serving, praying, or anything else, flows out of our relationship with Him. Jesus then appointed these 12 to go out and preach, to heal the sick and to cast out demons. But notice the order. First to be with him and then to go out. It's as if Jesus was saying, you'll only be as effective as you are close to me. And that's a message for us, too. Think about it. These disciples were not biblical scholars or extraordinary people. Peter, James, John and Andrew were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. And Judas, well, we know how his story ends. But despite their diverse backgrounds and personalities, Jesus called them to himself. He didn't choose them because they were perfect. He chose them because they were willing to be with him and be transformed by Him. And that's the good news for us today. Jesus doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He doesn't look for perfect people. He looks for willing hearts. Our effectiveness in ministry, in sharing the gospel, and in serving others doesn't come from our abilities, but from our connection to Jesus. So what does this mean for us? It means that our first priority is to be with Jesus, to spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and from that place of closeness, of intimacy, he empowers us to go out and make a difference in the world. As we wrap up, let's take this to heart. Jesus calls each of us to be with him, to learn from him, and then to go out and share his love with others. Like those first disciples, we are invited into a relationship with the one who knows us, who loves us, who wants to work through us.