The Disciple Whom Jesus Loves, Part 3

In Part 3 of The Disciple Whom Jesus Loves, Elder John recalls the days immediately following Jesus’ baptism, when he and Andrew spent time with the new rabbi and quickly became convinced that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Moved by the encounter, Andrew rushes back to Capernaum to tell his brother, Simon Peter. In an impassioned musical exchange, “Come and See,” Andrew urges Peter to meet Jesus for himself. Though skeptical at first, Peter is drawn in by Andrew’s conviction. When Jesus meets Peter, He gives him a new name—Cephas, meaning "rock"—a prophetic act that stirs something deep within Peter, marking the beginning of his transformation.

The story shifts to a bustling morning on the Sea of Galilee, where John, James, and their father Zebedee are tending nets. As they work, John speaks of Jesus with growing excitement, though James and Zebedee remain doubtful. Peter and Andrew arrive with news that Jesus is teaching again nearby. Peter, already changed by his encounter with Jesus, boldly tells Zebedee that his son has found something of great value—the Messiah. Though skeptical, Zebedee and James begin to sense the shift in those around them. The village buzzes with anticipation as Jesus approaches, and the crowd gathers along the shore to hear Him speak.

Jesus, needing space to address the crowd, steps into Peter’s boat and teaches from the water, using parables about fishing to speak of the kingdom of heaven. John is captivated, and James begins to listen more closely. After teaching, Jesus tells Peter to cast his nets again, despite a fruitless night of fishing. Peter, moved by trust in Jesus, agrees. The moment of obedience sets the stage for the miraculous catch to come, deepening the disciples’ faith and anchoring their call to follow. This episode captures the early stirrings of transformation as simple fishermen begin to glimpse the vastness of the kingdom unfolding before them.