All Things NewSample

A New Beginning

Every follower of Jesus has "that" moment that stands out as the moment he said yes to Jesus. For some it may have been as a child in Sunday school. For others it may have been at an event in high school or in a private conversation with a friend. For the very first disciples of Jesus, it was right in the middle of the workday. One of these men was Peter. His story was about to change in ways he never dreamed. There he was in a very familiar place – his fishing boat. He was with his brother and it was a day like any other day, yet unlike any other day. Today he met Jesus. And Jesus’ simple words to him were, “Come, follow me…”

Called to Follow. The first word Jesus spoke to these men was, “Come.” It is a word that symbolizes togetherness. Perhaps Jesus wanted them to know he was not sending them to do something without him. His second word, “follow,” implied that he would be leading the way. He goes on to tell them that he will show them how. He tells them he will model this new adventure for them. Many scholars say that these men were back in the family business of fishing because they couldn’t make the cut for rabbi training. Jesus was offering to be their teacher.

Called to Leave. When Jesus called these men to follow him, he also called them to leave. He was calling them to leave their way of life, their families, and their familiar surroundings. Can you imagine the questions that filled their minds as they walked away from their nets? Wait a minute; we sell the fish we catch. We can’t sell these people he’s talking about? How is this going to pay anything? Maybe this isn’t such a great idea. What about Dad – will he catch enough without us? But something seemed right about saying yes to Jesus. And they left. And they followed. And they started a new way of life.

Jesus is still calling - “Come. Follow Me. I will show you how.” Will we answer? Even if our answer changes everything as we know it?

Reading: Mark 1:16-20

Reflections:

· What did I leave behind when I said yes to following Jesus?

· What do I remember about the beginning of my relationship with him?

· How is my life different because I chose to follow Jesus?