One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed Him.A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee's sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed Him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
In today's scripture we see the first time that Jesus invited somebody to follow, these guys were familiar with the concept of being a disciple, all the big religious leaders of the day had them, even John the Baptist had disciples (Matthew 9:14).
Two thousand years later it may not be so obvious what a disciple is. The Webster's dictionary says that a disciple is:
1. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Plato.
2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.
The word "disciple" literally means someone who pledges to be a learner. It is someone who follows another persons teaching, and adheres to it. A disciple of Christ will follow his teachings and he will:
✔ Develop a close relationship with him ✔ Have a Biblical perspective to daily living ✔ Be teachable, responsive, humble, and obedient ✔ Have a personal purpose and calling, a ministry to be involved in ✔ Have meaningful relationships with others in the church
Jesus wants us to understand that being a Christian is not just about sitting in a pew or saying a prayer. It is about a life committed, a life changed, a heart and will surrendered. It is a new direction and world view with His precepts and character for living as our example.
It’s impossible to be a disciple or a follower of someone and not end up like that person. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). That’s the whole point of being a disciple of Jesus: we imitate Him, carry on His ministry, and become like Him in the process.
