WHY THEY LEFT THEIR NETS!

WHY THEY LEFT THEIR NETS!

Matt 4:18-20

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Snatched from its context, this portion describes strange human behavior. It appears there is a man walking along the shore who finds two fishermen, Peter and his brother Andrew. These two men were fishing by casting a net into the sea. Jesus stops and, apparently without engaging in preliminary conversation, invites them to follow Him. This would require them to leave their employment and their livelihood which they immediately forsake. This portion would be unusual indeed if there were no prior history in the relationship of these men.

ANDREW WAS A DISCIPLE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST!

John 1:40

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John’s preaching was to prepare the way for Jesus. It was John who said: “He must increase and I must decrease” (John 3:30). It was also John who pointed to Jesus and said: “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). It was at this time that Andrew left following John and began to follow Jesus.

ANDREW BROUGHT HIS BROTHER TO JESUS!

John 1:40-41

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

As one continues to read in John 1 it is clear that Jesus is putting together his band of disciples. We read that Philip and Nathanael are soon found and added to the group although Nathanael was not easily convinced.

SO, THE RELATIONSHIP WAS BUILDING!

Our relationship with Jesus should be growing from lesser to greater. Initial introductions become friendships which later become transforming and life changing. Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?

EVENTUALLY FULL SURRENDER IS CALLED FOR!

Matt 4:19-20

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

So now it begins to make sense. Andrew moves easily from following John the Baptist to following Jesus. Then he introduces his brother Peter to this magnificent man. Others are added and a warm fellowship is formed.

Now Jesus comes walking along the shore not as a stranger but as their teacher. He tells them that it is time to change from fishing for fish to fishing for men. It is time to begin ministry. It was the natural next step and so they left behind the familiar and comfortable to follow the new and unknown.

ARE YOU READY TO LEAVE YOUR NETS?

Some of you have progressed in your relationship and are ready to leave some things behind. You are ready to follow Jesus to new places and new challenges. Watch for Him to come and listen for His call to service.

Dear Lord, I declare my willingness to follow you even if it means leaving my nets. AMEN