TWO ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF DISCIPLESHIP IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS.
The Calling Of The First Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22)
In Matthew 4:18-22, We See Jesus Calling His First Disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, And John. They Were All Fishermen, Engaged In Their Daily Work, When Jesus Invited Them To Follow Him. This Was Not Just A Casual Invitation; It Was A Call To Leave Behind Their Livelihoods And Commit To A New Mission—Becoming "fishers Of Men." The Immediacy Of Their Response, Leaving Their Nets And Their Families, Demonstrates Their Willingness To Fully Dedicate Themselves To Jesus.
This Scene Illustrates That Jesus Calls Individuals In The Midst Of Their Daily Lives, Often While They Are Busy With Their Regular Occupations. The Decision To Follow Jesus Requires Immediate And Wholehearted Commitment, Reflecting The Urgency And Significance Of The Call To Discipleship.
The Cost Of Discipleship (Matthew 8:18-22)
In Matthew 8:18-22, Jesus Addresses Two Would-Be Followers, Teaching Them About The Cost Of Discipleship. The First Man, A Scribe, Expresses A Desire To Follow Jesus Wherever He Goes. However, Jesus Responds By Highlighting The Reality Of A Life Of Discipleship: It Is Not Glamorous And May Involve Hardship, As "the Son Of Man Has Nowhere To Lay His Head." This Emphasizes The Need For Disciples To Be Prepared For A Life Of Sacrifice.
The Second Man Wishes To Delay Following Jesus Until After He Has Buried His Father—A Task That Could Take An Indefinite Amount Of Time, As It Likely Refers To Staying With His Father Until His Eventual Death. Jesus' Response, "Follow Me, And Let The Dead Bury Their Own Dead," Underscores The Principle That Following Him Must Take Precedence Over All Other Obligations, Even Those Considered Important By Societal Standards.
Key Takeaways
Immediate Commitment: The First Disciples' Immediate Response To Jesus' Call Serves As A Model For How We Should Respond To God's Calling In Our Own Lives.
Sacrifice And Priority: Following Jesus Requires A Willingness To Sacrifice Personal Comfort And Prioritize Him Above All Else, Including Family And Societal Duties.
Understanding The Cost: Jesus Doesn't Sugarcoat The Realities Of Discipleship. He Wants His Followers To Understand That The Journey Is Challenging, Requiring Dedication And Perseverance.
These Passages Remind Us That The Call To Follow Jesus Is Both A Privilege And A Responsibility.
Demanding Our Full Commitment And Willingness To Put Him First In All Aspects Of Our Lives.
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