Published 4/3/19
Read Matthew 4:19-20
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Reflect
· Think about modern-day outcasts: the handicapped person who is often overlooked or the loner who doesn't have many friends. Would Jesus visit these people?
· Would He know their names, care about them, tell them stories?
· Should you follow Christ's example? (Explain your answer.)
John and his brother chose to follow Jesus, leaving behind much more than just their nets. They abandoned everything that was familiar to them, every earthly pursuit: money, career, popularity, pleasure, the comforts of home. James and John set off on an amazing adventure that became so much more; unwittingly, they had joined a revolution that was going to change history.
For the next few years, the brothers watched as Jesus healed the sick, brought people back from the dead, and spent endless hours reaching out to the lost and the lonely--those whom the world would rather have forgotten. James and John lived with the Savior 24/7, walking hundreds of miles with Him, and never once looking back. If there was anyone who really knew Jesus, these two brothers certainly did. They shared a deep and uncommon connection with the Savior. The Lord brought them into His inner circle, making them His closest friends--even members of the original apostles. And this apostle got right to the point when he wrote his gospel, starting off with the words: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God" (John 1:1).
Pray
God, I know You don't want me to hide my faith; You want me to share it. Please show me how. Amen. Ask Jesus to let His love shine through your life so others will come to Him.