Matthew 4:18-22 “Following and Fishing”

Scripture

Peter and Andrew were minding their own business, fishing, when Jesus approached them. They had spent time with Jesus before, but they were busy with their occupation, and it seems they enjoyed it very much. Then Jesus asked them to follow Him. They had their own agenda, and Jesus was asking them to change it. They left their nets and followed Jesus. They must have been convinced that Jesus was something special to take that significant step.
James and John presented an extra dynamic. It seems that not only were they fisherman but also part of a family business. They were in their boat mending their nets when Jesus called them. They left the boat and their father in order to follow Jesus. Their priority was not economics but relationship, and it changed their lives.
Following Jesus also resulted in other changed lives because Jesus transformed these four men and used them to accomplish His purpose, making disciples by going and baptizing and teaching to observe His commandments. The gospel spread significantly because men like Peter, Andrew, James, and John followed Jesus and fished for men, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Can God use us to lead people to Jesus if we choose to follow Him one hundred percent?

- Determine on a scale of one to ten how committed you are to following Jesus Christ.
- Commit to focus on following and fishing.
- Review John 4:34 “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
- Memorize Matthew 4:19 “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”