(a) give Matthew's account of the call of the first four disciples of Jesus. (b) State three reasons why Jesus required disciples.

(a) Matthew's account of the call of the first four disciples (Matthew 4:18-22)

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them also. At once they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

In this way Jesus gathered His first four disciples, all fishermen, who abandoned their trade and family ties to answer His call without delay.

(b) Three reasons why Jesus required disciples

• To assist Him in His ministry. The disciples helped Jesus preach, teach, heal the sick and manage the large crowds that came to Him.
• To be trained as future leaders and witnesses. Jesus taught and prepared them so that they could bear witness to His life, death and resurrection.
• To continue His work after His departure. After His ascension the disciples were to spread the gospel to all nations and establish the church, carrying on the mission He began.