While walking by the Sea of Galilee at the inception of his brief ministry, Jesus saw two fishermen, Simon Peter and Andrew, casting a net into the sea. Without ceremony or explanation Jesus called to them (Matt. 4:19), "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." And they, without hesitation, followed him.
Jesus patiently and carefully taught them and other followers so that they might be good fishers of men. As his disciples gained in their understanding of the Master's unusual doctrine, they saw it heal the sick, save the sinner, and raise the dead. Little by little these early followers practiced it themselves with considerable success. From one journey of healing they returned and exuberantly reported to Jesus (Luke 10:17), "Even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
Yes, the power of the Christ, Truth, which revealed perfect God, Spirit, and perfect man as His spiritual idea was sufficient to cast out every devil. This new-found truth gave the disciples a zeal which they had never experienced before. But even though they saw the greatness and power of Truth, yet they were not always faithful. During Jesus' ordeal in the garden of Gethsemane his disciples slept. Jesus awakened them with the plea (Matt. 26:40), "What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" But even then they returned to their slumber. They needed further rousing.
