Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 13: The Disciples - First Called

What does it take to change the course of your entire life? For some of Jesus' first disciples, it took just two words:

"Follow me."

Picture the scene at the Sea of Galilee. Simon Peter and Andrew were casting nets into the water—the same routine they'd followed countless times before. James and John were nearby with their father Zebedee, mending nets and preparing for another day's work. These were ordinary working men with calloused hands, established routines, and predictable lives.

Then Jesus walked by.

"Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people" (Matthew 4:19). No lengthy explanation. No detailed job description. No promise of financial security. Just an invitation that would turn fishermen into world-changers.

Immediate Response

"At once they left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:20). The immediacy is stunning—they abandoned their livelihood, left their father's business, and walked away from everything familiar. Something about Jesus' presence and call compelled instant obedience.

John's Gospel gives us another perspective on these early encounters. When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus saying, "Look, the Lamb of God," two of his disciples immediately followed Jesus. One was Andrew, who quickly found his brother Simon and declared, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41).

Seekers and Skeptics

Not everyone responded immediately. When Philip found Nathanael and announced they'd found the Messiah, Nathanael was skeptical: "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (John 1:46). But Philip's response was perfect: "Come and see."

And after a single conversation with Jesus, Nathanael went from skeptic to believer: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel" (John 1:49).

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

These first disciples were remarkably ordinary—men with rough edges and limited education. Yet Jesus saw their potential, not their past. He called them not because they were equipped, but because they were willing to trust Him to equip them with what they needed, day by day.

Your Call

Jesus is still calling ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. His invitation hasn't changed: "Follow me." It may not require leaving your profession, but it will certainly transform how you live it. Like those first disciples, your response to His call could impact the world in ways you never imagined.

The same voice that called fishermen from their nets is calling you today. How will you respond?