July 22, 2026 | The Draught of Fishes | Lesson 347

LUKE 5:1-11

Full lesson HERE

INTRODUCTION. In this story Jesus calls four disciples to him. Earlier at least three of the four (Peter, Andrew, and probably John) had followed Jesus and "abode with him that day" (John 1:35-42). Now the four are called and this time they left all and followed Jesus (Luke 5:11). Matthew and Mark probably refer to this same event but do not relate the miracle (Matt. 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20).

The scene takes place at the Sea of Galilee, sometimes called in the New Testament the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1) and the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1). The sea is in a valley, 685 feet below sea level, surrounded by mountains, and is about thirteen miles long and over seven miles across at its widest point. The depth of the sea ranges from 80 feet to 160 feet. The water is clear and sweet and such a beautiful, deep blue that during the season when the hills are green, the sea has been described as a sapphire in an emerald setting.