The phrase "The Man Called by Jesus" can refer to several individuals in the New Testament who were directly called by Jesus Christ to follow Him or to fulfill a specific purpose. These encounters are significant as they highlight the transformative power of Jesus' call and the immediate response it often elicited. Below are some notable examples:

1. The Calling of the Disciples:

One of the most prominent instances of Jesus calling individuals is the calling of His disciples. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, saying, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Similarly, He calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who immediately leave their boat and their father to follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22). These calls emphasize the authority of Jesus and the willingness of the disciples to abandon their previous lives for a new mission.

2. The Calling of Matthew:

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector when Jesus called him. In Matthew 9:9 , it is written, "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him." This calling is significant because tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish community, yet Jesus saw beyond societal labels and called Matthew to be one of His closest followers.

3. The Rich Young Ruler:

In Mark 10:17-22 , a rich young man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man, saddened by this requirement, walks away. This encounter illustrates the cost of discipleship and the challenge of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions.

4. The Apostle Paul:

Though not called during Jesus' earthly ministry, the Apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, experienced a dramatic calling by the risen Christ. On the road to Damascus, Saul encounters a blinding light and hears Jesus' voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This pivotal moment leads to Saul's conversion and his mission to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, highlighting the power of Jesus' call to transform even the most ardent opponents into devoted apostles.

5. The Samaritan Woman:

In John 4, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at the well and engages her in a profound conversation, revealing His identity as the Messiah. Although not a direct call to follow Him in the same manner as the disciples, Jesus' interaction with her leads to her testimony to the people of her town, many of whom come to believe in Him (John 4:39). This account underscores Jesus' willingness to reach out to those marginalized by society and His ability to inspire belief through personal revelation.

6. Zacchaeus:

In Luke 19:1-10 , Jesus calls Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, by name and invites Himself to Zacchaeus' house. This encounter results in Zacchaeus' repentance and restitution, demonstrating Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus' response to Jesus' call exemplifies the transformative impact of Jesus' presence and the joy of salvation.

These accounts collectively illustrate the diverse ways in which Jesus called individuals, each with unique backgrounds and circumstances. The common thread in these narratives is the authoritative and life-changing nature of Jesus' call, which transcends social, economic, and cultural barriers, inviting all to partake in the Kingdom of God.