Called to FollowSample

 The Response of the First Disciples 

As we discovered in yesterday’s devotional, Jesus knows us through and through and is well aware of the things that define us, that give us a sense of identity. But Jesus is not content for us to remain who we are and to just continue doing whatever we have been doing. Rather, wherever we are at in our lives, Jesus makes this audacious claim, “Follow me!” Note that Jesus is not saying, ‘follow my teaching’ or ‘join my organization.’ No, what Jesus calls for is direct and unreserved loyalty towards him as a person.

Jesus calls us first and foremost to himself, in order to then release us into a ministry. That is why he said to Peter and Andrew: “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (NLT). Just as Jesus went out to the Sea of Galilee and found these two brothers there, so they are now called to go out themselves and invite people to follow Jesus as well. That same call Jesus issued to Peter and Andrew almost two thousand years ago is still valid today. Have you already answered this call? 

But keep in mind that answering this call comes at a cost. When Peter and Andrew heard the call, they left their nets at once and followed Jesus (v. 20). After this, Jesus called James and John, who being fishermen as well, “were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets” (v. 21, NIV). But when Jesus called them, they immediately “left the boat and their father and followed him” (v. 22). Are you ready for this kind of radical commitment and devotion to Jesus? 

Praise the Lord for …

· the high calling to follow Jesus and to fish for people 

· for the example set by the first disciples – for people like Peter, Andrew, James, and John who were willing to leave everything behind in order to follow Jesus

Pray that …

· Jesus would show you what it means to follow him today

· God will give you the strength and the conviction to leave the things behind that hinder you in your journey of discipleship