Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John and invited them to follow him. The scriptures said that they dropped their nets and followed him.
What does "follow me" mean?
On the surface, it appears that these early disciples left their jobs, vocations and started this nomadic, itinerant ministry. Sort of like joining a monastery. It is what you do and who you are. And yet there are some verses that do imply the continuance of their former life. A visit to the home of Peter's mother in law. Sounds like there was a marriage and a home. Reference to fishing.
As a child "follow me" always sounded like being a minister or a missionary, maybe a nurse. A calling is what you do and who you are.
I rather think" follow me" means to follow the value system and style of Jesus. We still go fishing, have a mother in law, work in a bank, raise kids, fix cars, etc. It is not the livelihood, it is the person we are in that job.
Jesus' behavior gives us some great clues about "following."
- After the feeding of the 5,000, he sends the crowd and disciples home. He needs to be alone....to pray, to reflect, to be.
- The disciples and he are in the boat when the storm comes up. He is taking a nap. He is so trusting of God and life, that he is able to sleep.
- Someone broken comes for healing and he tells her "your faith has made you well." He believed in the health and wholeness that is a part of each one of us.
So, I think to follow means... time for yourself... whatever the storms of life, trust God... have faith in and bring wholeness to each other. He did it well. |