Follow me

Read Matthew 4:18-22

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The announcement of the good news of God's kingdom is followed straightaway by the call of the first disciples. This shows us that the kingdom is not just a theoretical teaching but is about following Jesus, the one who reveals God’s kingdom to us. So this story represents the call of all disciples, both in the original group of twelve and of all others since who have been willing to follow him.

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Follow is a key word (19,20,22). Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mk.8:34). Christians are called by him to be his followers. The word disciple means learner – we commit ourselves to be “followers of the Way” by learning it and then walking in it obediently (Jn.14:6; Acts 22:4; 24:14).

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These first disciples were fishermen and Jesus makes a mini-parable out of their occupation by saying that they will not only learn from him but also share in his ministry as “fishers of men” (19). It was an invitation to take part in the great work of the Kingdom. What that would mean and where Jesus would lead them was still unknown, but “immediately” tells us that they gladly and willingly responded to his call. As must we.