The Scripture

Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

The Scene

After his rejection in Nazareth, Jesus had been living and ministering in Capernaum.  Scripture is silent as to Jesus’ ministry at this time, but the separation from his disciples and the rejection in Nazareth did not keep him from ministering.

In time Jesus chose to seek out his disciples again.  Jesus was intentional on where he went that day. He headed toward the Sea of Galilee, knowing that James and John, along with Simon and Andrew would be back working in their previous occupation, fishing.  Along the way, a large crowd joined him.  By the time he reached the sea, there was such a large crowd that he was pressed toward the water.

Finding Simon, he asked to use his boat so that he could preach off shore, making it possible for everyone to see and hear him.  We don’t know what Jesus taught on that day, but afterward Jesus invited Simon to go fishing… in the middle of the day!  Simon reluctantly agreed.

The catch of fish was so great that Simon called for James and John to come help pull it all in.  When they got back to shore, Simon fell on his face and said, “Go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man.”  But, Jesus replied, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men.”

Without delay, Simon, Andrew, James and John pulled their boats up on the shore and left everything.. they forsook it all and followed Jesus. 

The School Master

These men had been with Jesus.  They heard John declare him to be the Lamb of God.  They witnessed the miracle in Cana.  They saw him cleanse the temple.  They witnessed the revival in Samaria.  They saw him heal a boy simply by speaking the word.  But persecution began…  John, their former teacher was murdered.  Then, they all left Jesus and returned home.  We don’t know exactly what happened to cause their departure, nor what took place during their second visit to Cana, but whatever happened, it was significant enough that they left Jesus and went back home.
 
What will it take for you to quit?  What is going to cause you to pack your bags and go back home?  Ministry pressures?  Persecution?  Lack of results?  Unfulfilled expectations?  How great is your commitment to stay?  What will it take for you to forsake all and follow Christ? 

What was the difference between their choice to follow Jesus the first time and now?  Were they following before because of the miracles and the popularity?  Did they leave John for “greener pastures?”  I don’t necessarily think so.  But one thing is for sure, they were not fully committed before, and now they are.  What made the difference?

Jesus didn’t let them stay away.  He sought them out and restored them.  He graciously, gently, brought them back.  They now saw Jesus in a new light.  He was no longer the miracle man and the latest religious rabbi to follow.  He was now their friend.  I believe they were now following Jesus because they knew him for who He was to them, not just for what He could do.  Their commitment was now based on a relationship, not just the latest popular religious fad. 

I think we can draw a lesson for ourselves out of this.  What motivates us to serve?  Is it to get notches in our spiritual belts for the good things we do?  Do we serve so that we can feel good about ourselves… or are we serving God because He is our friend?  Some may forsake all for an organization, until the organization fails them.  Some may even forsake all for a program or a ministry, until something better comes along.  But people only forsake all, and do it for the rest of their lives, when they have come to know Christ deeply and because He is the one asking us to do it.  Peter said, “Because it is YOU who asks, I will cast my net.”  How well do you know Him? 

My prayer for you today is that you will come to know Him so deeply that you will be able to walk in dependence upon Him through thick or thin, and it will be a continual joy.