As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James, son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22)
 

Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus calls his first disciples: two sets of brothers, fishermen. Jesus’ simple instruction is to “Come, follow me”. Up until this point, these men were aware of Jesus and what he had been doing. Perhaps we could say that they had been watching Jesus. But now, Jesus is calling them to go beyond just watching and to be like him, follow his ways and walk in his footsteps. This was a life-changing event for these brothers.

In both cases, the brothers did so immediately, without hesitation. They displayed immediate obedience. They were willing to follow Jesus, to give up all that they had (including family) and go to be with him. 

Jesus could have chosen his disciples from amongst the “rich and famous” of the time. Instead, he chose simple fishermen. Jesus doesn’t need the greatest, most innovative or most popular people to be his followers. He doesn’t choose only the outcasts or the marginalised either. Jesus uses those willing to follow his call and carry out his mission. It’s not about who he calls, it’s about Jesus. Jesus will work through those willing to follow him.

Are you willing to follow Jesus?

What does “Come, follow me” look like for you?

How do you hear Jesus calling you today?
 

Heavenly Father,
Jesus calls us to follow him, fully and faithfully. 

Guide us as we listen and obey.
Amen.

Reflections by Kgaugelo Habyane

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