Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:21-22
In four, short verses, Matthew describes how Jesus went from an ‘army of one’ to an army of five. Here in Matthew 4, we learn how Jesus invited His first four disciples. Like Peter and Andrew, James and John immediately left their Sea of Galilee fishing business and followed Jesus. We also learn how James and John left their boat – their primary means of income – and their father. Their FATHER. Their dad, boss, parent, leader, and family. Immediately, without a second thought, they left to follow this walking rabbi from Nazareth.
Even if you didn’t believe in Jesus, you’d have to admit that there must have been something about Him that would make these hard-working fishermen leave everything and just go. And they didn’t go with any idea of where they were going, what they’d be doing, or even where they’d eat and sleep. They left their jobs, their families, the only lives they’d ever known, just to follow Jesus wherever He went.
Notice that Jesus came to them; they didn’t have to come to Him. Jesus traveled to them deliberately, just as He did to Peter and Andrew. He chose these particular men, James and John, not randomly, not by chance. They were specifically chosen for their gifts, abilities, and talents because He knew the things they would do for His Kingdom in the years to come.
Just like you. Just like me.
Think about that. You are the only one like you on this planet. You are the only person with your talents and abilities, physical composition, emotions, memories, experiences, and interests who has ever lived, in the past or now. Jesus chose you and only you to be you, and NOBODY, not even Him, can force you to think, say, or do things. He gave you specific gifts4
Jesus comes to you, just like He did His disciples, and asks you to follow Him. He selected you, chose you, specifically wants you because of what you have to offer to His Kingdom. There could be no higher calling than to have the king of the universe specifically select you to be part of His ministry. He wants you as you are because His love will do the rest.
If you haven’t done it, why not take Him up on His invitation? Follow Him. Drop what you’re doing and go. Go wherever He leads us. That’s what Peter, Andrew, James, and John did, and they became participants to ‘the greatest story ever told.’ You and I can be, too!
For more reading: Mark 3:17, Mark 13:3, Luke 8:51, John 21:2, Matthew 4:23
Lord, I’m humbled and honored that You chose and want me. Use me as You will in Your work
Practical Proverbs 