Following Jesus 

 Moving from Jesus’ baptism and temptation, we watch as He begins His ministry by calling disciples to Himself. The call to follow Christ is the true call each us responds to during Lent. 

From an Africa Study Bible application note:

Fishing is a thriving industry in most African countries. Fishermen spend the whole night in their wooden boats catching fish from lakes, rivers, oceans. To the fisherman, his boat is his priceless possession, his security. Imagine asking a fisherman to give up his boat, his livelihood, to follow a travelling preacher. It would be an unthinkable request. 

Simon Peter and Andrew left their boats immediately when Jesus called them to follow Him and be His disciples. Jesus met John and James the sons of Zebedee not long after. They too abandoned their boats and their father, giving up their means of support! 

People who are truly called by God willingly give up everything to follow Jesus. The apostle Paul said, “Yes, everything is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8). We live in a world that promotes materialism. Personal comfort and riches often consume us. What God promises us is far better than earthly security, like the fisherman’s boat. He promises us new life, a life that starts now and will continue on after death. The best response when God calls is to follow.

Today: 

As you follow Jesus’ example and teachings every day by reading and mediating upon the devotionals this Lent, what have you given up? Be encouraged by the example of others who have given up much to follow Christ. 

This week memorize Philippians 3:8: “Yes, everything is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”