Today’s passage: Matthew 4:18-25
Helpful thoughts:
- When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He was also calling them to leave (to abandon) their present lives. There is a cost to being a disciple.
- Notice, the disciples were not convinced listeners who decided to accept Jesus. They were compelled and committed followers. This is the grace of God.
- Jesus’ ministry consisted of teaching, preaching and healing. He was ministering in word and in deed.
Questions to consider:
- What does it mean to be a fisher of men?
- What did the disciples leave to follow Jesus?
- How does the example given here of following Jesus compare to the idea that Jesus wants you “healthy and wealthy”?
- When did the large crowds start following Jesus around?
- Does this passage require all Christians everywhere to sell everything they have? What are some other examples of Christians who remained in their houses and worked in their businesses that God used? What did those Christians still understand to be true of the things they possessed? (Think stewardship)
- What are the dangers of using specific examples and turning them into universal commands?
- How could you apply the principle of following Jesus in your life today?