Immediate Followers

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18-20)

It was just another day at work, two brothers setting out for another day of fishing. Peter and Andrew were casting their nets into the sea, when a man shows up with an offer. “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” There is no financial offer, signing bonus, interview, title, or promises given of future opportunities. Just a simple offer to make them fishers of men.

There is that second between Jesus asking them to follow him, and the response of Peter and Andrew to the offer. A moment of them exchanging glances. What did they see in Jesus that prompted them to leave their nets behind and follow Jesus? Was there a stirring inside of them that drew them to Jesus? Three words sum how they answered Jesus’ call: immediate, left, and follow.

Peter and Andrew didn’t give it a second thought. Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and their response was immediate. They did not delay, start weighing the negatives, or raise doubts. Based on their response, Jesus’ offer seems more like a command given with authority than a request. If God has authority over our life, do we treat his will for our life more like a request than a command?

The second word in their response to Jesus describes how they acted on Jesus’ command. “They left.” What did they leave? Their nets; their way of life; their means of making a living and supporting themselves and their families. “Immediately they left.” How often do the nets of earthly responsibilities hold us captive, and stop us from immediately following Jesus?

Peter and Andrew left their nets behind and followed Jesus. There’s no destination given, but Jesus does tell them what he wants to do with them: “I will make you fishers of men.” No more detail than that, they just answered the call and followed Jesus.

Answering the Call

This post is part of the “Answering the Call” series. Join me each Tuesday morning as we explore the moment of decision for so many people in the Bible.

© 2024, Chris G. Thelen