WEEK 2 DAY 1
The Call to Follow
Devotional
When Jesus called His first disciples, He didn't invite them to a one-time event or a casual relationship. He called them to follow Him—to walk where He walked, learn what He taught, and eventually do what He did. This call required immediate action and complete surrender.
Peter's response in Luke 5 shows us the starting point of discipleship: humility. After witnessing Jesus perform a miraculous catch of fish, Peter fell to his knees, overwhelmed by his own unworthiness in the presence of holiness. "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord," he confessed.
Yet Jesus didn't depart. Instead, He invited Peter closer, saying, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." Where Peter saw his limitations, Jesus saw potential. Where Peter recognized his sin, Jesus offered purpose.
This same invitation extends to us today. Following Jesus begins with acknowledging our need for Him—admitting that our ways aren't working and His ways are better. It's recognizing that we can't follow Him in our own strength, but need His grace and power.
The beautiful thing about Jesus's call is that He doesn't expect us to have it all figured out before we follow. He simply asks us to take the first step, trusting that He will equip us along the way.
Bible Verse
"And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him." - Luke 5:11
Reflection Question
What nets (comforts, securities, habits, or identities) might Jesus be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more fully?
Quote
Following Jesus is an invitation to be trained by him for the mission of making disciples.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, like Peter, I recognize my unworthiness before You. Thank You for calling me despite my failures and limitations. Give me the courage to leave behind whatever holds me back from following You completely. Help me to trust that Your way is better than mine. Amen.
When Jesus called His first disciples, He didn't invite them to a one-time event or a casual relationship. He called them to follow Him—to walk where He walked, learn what He taught, and eventually do what He did. This call required immediate action and complete surrender.
Peter's response in Luke 5 shows us the starting point of discipleship: humility. After witnessing Jesus perform a miraculous catch of fish, Peter fell to his knees, overwhelmed by his own unworthiness in the presence of holiness. "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord," he confessed.
Yet Jesus didn't depart. Instead, He invited Peter closer, saying, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." Where Peter saw his limitations, Jesus saw potential. Where Peter recognized his sin, Jesus offered purpose.
This same invitation extends to us today. Following Jesus begins with acknowledging our need for Him—admitting that our ways aren't working and His ways are better. It's recognizing that we can't follow Him in our own strength, but need His grace and power.
The beautiful thing about Jesus's call is that He doesn't expect us to have it all figured out before we follow. He simply asks us to take the first step, trusting that He will equip us along the way.
Bible Verse
"And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him." - Luke 5:11
Reflection Question
What nets (comforts, securities, habits, or identities) might Jesus be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more fully?
Quote
Following Jesus is an invitation to be trained by him for the mission of making disciples.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, like Peter, I recognize my unworthiness before You. Thank You for calling me despite my failures and limitations. Give me the courage to leave behind whatever holds me back from following You completely. Help me to trust that Your way is better than mine. Amen.