Saying Yes to the Journey
Week 1: The Call to Follow
Matthew 4:18-22
Have you ever been interrupted by a moment that changed everything? Maybe it was a phone call, a conversation, or a quiet nudge that redirected your path. Jesus’ invitation to follow Him often comes in the middle of our routines—unexpected, yet deeply personal.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,
and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
—Matthew 4:18–22 (NIV)
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,
and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
—Matthew 4:18–22 (NIV)
This passage captures the radical simplicity of discipleship: Jesus calls, and we respond. The call to follow isn’t just about leaving behind fishing nets—it’s about surrendering our plans, identities, and comforts to embrace a new purpose. In Nazarene theology, we understand this moment as a response to prevenient grace: God’s loving initiative that reaches out before we even know we need Him.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John didn’t earn their invitation. They were ordinary men, engaged in daily work. Yet Jesus saw them, knew them, and called them. This is justifying grace in action—God’s invitation to be made right with Him, not by merit but by mercy. Their immediate response reflects the power of sanctifying grace, which continues to shape and transform us as we walk in obedience.
Holiness, in the Wesleyan tradition, is not reserved for the elite or the educated. It’s for those willing to say “yes” to Jesus, again and again. The disciples’ journey didn’t end at the shoreline—it began there. Their transformation unfolded over time, through failures, questions, and moments of deep faith. The call to follow is both a beginning and a lifelong invitation to be made holy as He is holy.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John didn’t earn their invitation. They were ordinary men, engaged in daily work. Yet Jesus saw them, knew them, and called them. This is justifying grace in action—God’s invitation to be made right with Him, not by merit but by mercy. Their immediate response reflects the power of sanctifying grace, which continues to shape and transform us as we walk in obedience.
Holiness, in the Wesleyan tradition, is not reserved for the elite or the educated. It’s for those willing to say “yes” to Jesus, again and again. The disciples’ journey didn’t end at the shoreline—it began there. Their transformation unfolded over time, through failures, questions, and moments of deep faith. The call to follow is both a beginning and a lifelong invitation to be made holy as He is holy.
- Take time this week to reflect on what “nets” you may need to leave behind—habits, fears, or distractions that keep you from fully following Jesus.
- Practice listening prayer: set aside 10 minutes each day to simply be still and ask, “Jesus, what are You calling me to today?”
- Reach out to someone in your life who may need encouragement to follow Jesus. Share your story or offer to pray with them.
Jesus, thank You for calling us—right where we are. Help us to hear Your voice above the noise, and to respond with courage and trust. Teach us to leave behind what no longer serves Your purpose, and to walk in the grace that transforms us. May our lives reflect Your holiness and love. Amen.
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