Come, Follow Me

 

 Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

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¹⁸ 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. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.

²¹ 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, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

 Three words changed the lives of these four men, Peter, Andrew, James and John. What power Jesus had by his presence and directness.  No wasted pleading, simply, "Come, follow me." And they left all to follow him. Does he still call in this way? Most likely, but probably in more subtle and quiet ways. Our lives are so busy that we might not hear the call. Religious Orders and the priesthood, for example, have fewer candidates these days. There are many factors, but most likely, the "noise" of busyness, the allure of money, the assurance of another's love, block the silent call from Jesus to follow him in a complete and special way to carry on his work. Let us pray that more hear the call and respond generously and courageously.

Dear Jesus, keep calling and inviting disciples and help many to respond as did the first disciples. Amen.