Free to try something new

They were fishermen who caught fish.
Jesus called them to become fishers of people.

In some ways, the work looked familiar. In other ways, everything changed. The calling was new, the future uncertain, and the cost real. When Jesus called His first followers, they stepped into a different way of living. They experienced freedom, not because life became easy, but because Rabbi Jesus provided what they truly needed. Their lives gained purpose and direction.

Freedom, however, required release.

They let go of nets and boats. They walked away from a predictable routine and embraced a life on the road. Following Jesus meant trusting Him daily, even when the path felt unclear. What they gained was not comfort, but fulfillment; not control, but life.

Are you free?

When you look around, it is easy to see countless examples of people who are not free – people bound by fear, expectations, habits, or the pressure to perform. But you can also see people who are free. They have left their “nets” behind and chosen to live fully for Jesus.

Which group do you belong to?

Jesus says freedom comes through truth.

When you hold to His teaching, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jesus speaks truth. He is the truth. And what He does is set people free. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. That person is free. That person truly lives.

In this episode of The Chosen, Zebedee models this kind of freedom in a beautiful way. He sells his boat and buys an olive grove, choosing a new path. With the proceeds, he wants to contribute to the Kingdom. He tells his sons that they have waited for the Messiah, and now He is here. Zebedee has met Him. His sons get to follow Him. And Zebedee realizes he is free to try something new too.

Freedom does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like obedience. Sometimes it looks like courage. Sometimes it looks like letting go.

Reflection Questions

• Have you encountered Jesus in your life?
• How did that encounter change your life?
• Do you live as someone who is free? Why or why not?
• Jesus sets you free with purpose. What will you do with the freedom you’ve received?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You say that You came to bring freedom to the captives. Teach me how to walk in that freedom today. Show me how I can serve You with a willing and open heart. Thank You for what You have done and for the life You give. Amen.