They Forsook All and Followed Him #1721

9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. (Luke 5:9–11, NKJV)

The carpenter told the fishermen where to cast their nets to catch fish. Like Peter, when the Master speaks, those who trust the Lord will follow His word. The miraculous catch of fish they hauled to shore prompted Peter to confess his sins to the Lord (Lk. 5:4-8). The fishermen were astonished and afraid, but Jesus eased their fears by assuring them of even greater catches to come. Peter, James, and John soon would be catching souls. The gospel these future apostles preached continues to capture lost souls by convicting sinners and converting them to Christ (Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-48). These men set us a worthy example of immediate conviction, uncompromising priority, and sacrifice of faith in order to serve Jesus. When Jesus speaks, we must forsake all and follow Him (Lk. 14:33; 9:23).

They Immediately Left and Followed #677

18  And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19  Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20  They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18–20, NKJV)

Peter and Andrew’s immediate decision to follow Jesus sets an example for all who are contemplating following Him. Delay is dangerous and deadly, for by delaying one remains lost in sin. Peter and Andrew walked away from their livelihood in order to follow Jesus. The cost of being a disciple is real. God’s call to follow Him challenges one’s faith. Christians, too, are tempted to hesitate when the word of God calls us to do some good thing. What are you being indecisive about today? When you know the Lord’s will, do it with your whole heart and have His blessing (Jas. 1:25).