What was on the disciples’ minds as Jesus first called them? Reading Matthew 4:18-22, we get a slight glimpse into the first yes from the disciples.
When Jesus came across Simon (Peter) and Andrew as they were fishing, He simply said follow me and I will make you fishers of men. They gave up what they knew, their professions to follow Jesus.
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. – Matthew 4:18-20
The next two brothers Jesus saw were James and John. As before, we see that immediately they left their father and possession to follow Jesus.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. – Matthew 4:21-22
These men did not know what it meant to follow Jesus, but at that moment they made the choice that would make the biggest difference in their own lives and the generations. Like our time, we will never know at the moment we say yes to following Him, how God will use our yes, but ultimately, we will have the greatest hope in Jesus and knowing that a life living for Him is incomparable and surpasses anything.
As the apostle Paul says,
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ – Philippians 3:8
Following Jesus is hard at times. Even Jesus knew the cost His followers would face.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
It comes at denying ourselves, giving up our own ways, plans for our lives, and willing to sacrifice what we have in this world. We are called to live a completely surrendered life.
The disciples didn’t know where their obedience would take them, but they ended up being discipled by Jesus for 3 years, witnessing His gruesome crucifixion, and being witnesses after His resurrection and used by God to take the gospel to the nations. They were persecuted for their faith, but they remained faithful.
Reflecting on the disciples’ yes, I recall my first yes to following Him. Even through this journey, there have been difficult seasons, but even looking back today, it has been the greatest decision of my life. My relationship with God has grown through the years and I have grown deeper in love with who He is.
Prayer: God, I choose you today. I want to know you deeper and grow in my love for you. I trust that your plan for my life is better than my own. I choose to surrender to you and allow you to have your way. I pray to live a life that is pleasing to you.
Graceful Strides 