Accept Jesus’ Ultimate Invitation: Come Follow and Be Transformed
We’ve spent the last several months looking at passages of scripture where Jesus says come. This week, we will look at one last come invitation. Jesus says “Come follow” in two different gospels, and interestingly, the two passages are almost identical!
Come Follow Me
When you read Matthew 4:18-20 and Mark 1:16-18, you don’t always read the word come. For example, several translators use the word follow. However, in the Greek, Jesus says “come after” or “come behind.” Additionally, in some versions of the Bible, we read “come follow.”
“One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers – Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew – throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed Him.”
Mathew 4:18-20, NLT
A Simple Familiar Story
We are all very familiar with this story. I’m sure most of us have heard countless sermons on this one passage of scripture. In fact, my sweet Pastor husband is currently sharing this passage of scripture to emphasize discipleship when he travels and preaches!
Neither Matthew nor Mark give us a multitude of details to help us fully envision the interaction between Jesus, Peter, and Andrew. The story is straight forward, and without much emotion. However, Holy Spirit pointed out five details that made the story more alive to me.
Come Follow Five Significant Details
An Urgent Invitation
First, Holy Spirit revealed Jesus’ invitation was urgent. The word in Greek translated come is “duete.” It is an imperative and it means to come now! Jesus wasn’t inviting them to come visit Him sometime and check out what He’s doing. Nor was Jesus offering a twenty-four-hour window.
We know that God is patient with us. However, we must be fully aware that He doesn’t want to waste any time. As a result, Christ’s appeal to us is always urgent; He doesn’t want us to be left behind.
Come Fishing
Second, Holy Spirit pointed out Jesus related His invitation to what they already knew. They were fisherman, so Jesus used that understanding in His request.
We picture fishing differently than Peter and Andrew did. When we fish, we have a pole and bait. A fisherman stands on the shore, or sits in a boat, and spends a day enjoying the great outdoors. Moreover, we view fishing as a relaxation activity.
In contrast, Peter and Andrew viewed fishing as hard labor. They would row out into the sea and throw a large, weighted net out. Then they would drag the weighted net back into the boat to see if they caught any fish. They would continue this process all night long if necessary.
For Peter and Andrew, fishing required sweat and toil. A fisherman needed to be strong and persistent. To survive as a fisherman, one worked hard for long hours. We must consider that image as we ponder Jesus’ invitation. He wasn’t proposing a mini vacation.
A Whole New Life
The third detail Holy Spirit pointed out was their livelihood, the focus of their life, would change. Jesus wasn’t offering them a side hustle, or a part-time gig. Instead, He invited them to a whole new life.
We often see Jesus’ invitation to fish for people as something we add into our day-to-day living. However, Jesus’ invitation to Peter and Andrew was a drastic change to the rhythm of their life. Jesus called them to come to a whole new lifestyle with a very distinct Kingdom focus.
Become a New Kind of Fisherman
Fourth, Jesus tells them He will make them fishers of men (NKJV). The NET says, “I will turn you into fishers of people.” The TPT states, “I will transform you into men who catch people for God.”
Jesus planned to teach them something new. However, He didn’t intend to just teach them a task. Jesus invited Peter and Andrew to become different men. God always has the goal to transform His followers. Jesus’ invitation to come follow is an invitation to become His disciples and learn to be just like Him.
Follow Jesus
Last, Matthew and Mark both tell us Peter and Andrew followed. The Greek word translated follow is the work “akoloutheo.” It means to accompany, to join as a disciple; it means more than just following behind. Peter and Andrew left their nets and chose a life of complete commitment to Jesus.
The Life of a Disciple
Jesus invited, then Peter and Andrew followed the ultimate “come.” We’ve looked at a variety of stories where Jesus has invited us to come. Each of these stories has as it’s underlying theme, this invitation to come and become Christ’s disciples.
- John 21:12. Jesus invites the disciples to come and have breakfast. He invites us to everyday life with Him
- John 7:37-39. Jesus invites all who are thirsty. He invites us to change our position and allow Him to satisfy us.
- Matthew 19:13-14. Jesus invites the children to come. He invites us to trust Him absolutely and live in obedience and wonder.
- John 1:32-33. Jesus invites Andrew and a friend to come and see. He invites us to come with our questions and see life as He does.
- Matthew 14:25. Jesus invites Peter to come to Him on the water. He invites us to bring our fears, draw near and experience His presence.
- Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened. He invites us to come listen and learn from Him, know Him and be equipped by His presence.
- Mark 6:31. Jesus invites the disciples to come away. He invites us to care for our whole selves by following His example.
In each come statement, Jesus offers the gift of who He is. In every situation, Jesus invites us to be transformed. As His disciples, Jesus provides us His presence to enable and empower us to live Kingdom lives. He enables us to live on mission, just as He did.
We Come when We Pray
When we began this journey, I talked about studying these passages to bolster our prayer lives. Each time we pray, we come to Jesus. Whether we are involved in a set prayer time, writing out a journal entry, or pleading with God in the moment for wisdom and/or strength. And every time, Jesus offers us His presence as the answer to our need.
Jesus invites us to come and be different. To be His disciples and know Him intimately. To gain His presence, peace, strength, and wisdom. To know life as He designed it. To become someone on mission, fueled by passion for the King. We just come. And it’s as simple as breathing a prayer.
Come Follow Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
