One of the most joyful meetings ever recorded was the one at which the disciples were reunited with their Master after his resurrection on the shore of the Galilean sea. To understand the full significance of this meeting it may be helpful to look back at the opening days of the Master's ministry. At that period he stood alone, but it was obvious that to extend his work, students or, as they were then named, disciples were necessary. One by one they came out from their material occupations to follow him in his holy work.
In reading the Gospels we may notice the immediacy with which they came. It was as if some irresistible power attracted them. They had found the Messiah, which is the Christ. That was sufficient. They must leave all to follow him. In studying the Gospels, especially that of John, we notice that whereas some left their nets at the invitation of Jesus, others, especially some of the disciples of John the Baptist, came because John himself spoke to them of the higher mission of Jesus as the Christ.
Following the chain of events further, we notice that although they were immediately willing to leave their employment (the source of their material supply), they found full compensation in the law of Christ. We read in Mark (1:17), "Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." They forsook their nets and followed the Master, an action which enabled them to understand his teaching and to witness his healing works. They were then prepared for their ministry, not only as hearers but as doers of the Word also. They became convinced not only by reason but by revelation and demonstration that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among them.
