Decision begins discipleship with Jesus

Mark 1:17 records Jesus’ invitation to Simon Peter and Andrew: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” In these simple words, we see the beginning of the discipleship process.

Luke 5 provides more detail about this encounter. Simon Peter and Andrew had spent the entire night fishing and caught nothing. Exhausted and discouraged, they were cleaning their nets and preparing to go home when Jesus approached them. After teaching the crowd, Jesus asked Peter to take the boat into deeper water and let down the nets again.

Peter’s response reveals his doubts: “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5). Though he didn’t fully understand, Peter chose to obey.

The result was extraordinary. The catch was so large that the nets began to break, and additional boats were needed to bring in the fish. At that moment, Peter and Andrew realized they were in the presence of someone far greater than an ordinary rabbi.

Then Jesus extended his invitation: “Follow me.”

That invitation required a decision. Would they leave behind the security of their livelihood and trust Jesus, or would they remain with what was familiar and comfortable? They chose to follow him.

The same decision confronts every person today. Before anyone can become a disciple of Jesus, there must first be a choice. The mind is the starting point of discipleship. We must decide whether we will trust Christ and follow his leadership.

Discipleship begins not with knowledge, talent or ability, but with a simple decision to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

Kerry Green

Pastor Carrollton Assembly of God