The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew

Duccio di Buoninsegna (c. 1255–1319) — 1308–1311 · Tempera on panel · National Gallery of Art, Washington

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

About

From the back of Duccio's Maestà (1308–1311), this small panel shows Jesus on the Galilean shore calling two fishermen from their boat; it is now in Washington. The predella panels of the great altarpiece told Christ's life scene by scene like a strip of film.

The Meaning

It is the beginning of the apostolic church in one quiet picture: no cathedral, no ceremony — a word from Christ and two working men leaving their nets. Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

For Us Today

Follow thou me. The call is still the same shape as on that shore — come as you are, from the work in your hands, and let Christ make of you what you could never make of yourself.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.