As Jesus walked on the shore of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew, casting their fishing nets into the sea. Jesus called to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:18-20).
Jesus is still calling today for people to follow Him and be His disciples. To be a disciple is much more than professing Christ or joining a religious fellowship. It means a life change. It is being dedicated to the cause and purpose of Christ—living like Jesus, keeping His commandments, and basing life decisions on His teachings. A disciple of Christ must leave their own life behind in the same way that Peter and Andrew left their nets to follow the Lord.
The life of a true disciple of Christ is not motivated by the love of the world, its riches and pleasures, but is motivated rather by a deep love for the things of God. Goals, ambitions, plans, and purposes are shaped after the pattern of Christ.
Jesus gave specific counsel on what it would take to be a disciple. Matthew 16:24-25 says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” To be a disciple means to deny one’s self of the things of this world and follow Jesus and His way no matter what the cost. “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).
There is no room for half-hearted disciples. It takes total dedication and consecration of one’s life to be a disciple of Christ. Peter and Andrew did not bring their fishing nets along as they followed the Lord; they had to leave them behind. Are you willing to leave behind your ways to pursue Christ? Are you a disciple of Jesus? Can people look at the fruit of your life and see the image of Christ?
In the beginning, Jesus called twelve men to follow Him and be His disciples. Other than Judas Iscariot, His eleven other disciples dedicated their lives completely to the cause of Christ. Their mission was to help people and spread the gospel. Ten of these eleven disciples were persecuted and killed because of their faith. These early, courageous disciples of Christ should challenge us today to answer the call and leave ALL to be disciples of Jesus. ■