I have been doing the bible study by David Platt called Follow Me and the DVD series that goes along with it.  I must say it is an eye opener for anyone that calls themselves Christian.  He really unpacks the two words Jesus commanded us in scripture to do, “follow me.”  If you are not making disciples (as all Christians are called to do) are you really following Jesus?  This study is convicting on many levels but it made me ask myself the question, “Am I making disciples?”  It is clear that all Christians are called to do one of Jesus’ very clear commands; follow Him.

Matthew 4:18-22

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 make you fishers of men.”  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.

What an amazing picture.  I’m not sure but I love to imagine this scene as a bright, sunny day with the sandy shoreline bustling with people. Sons helping their fathers fish as a sense of duty and a way of life.  These brothers were probably fishing to provide for their families yet when Jesus called them they laid it all down and at once followed him.  When Jesus called Peter and Andrew they were casting fishing nets into the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus said eleven words (depending on which version you have), eleven words that would call all Christians everywhere, of every nation, and every tongue to become His disciples.  Matthew 4:19 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus did not say Go and be fishers of men.  No, He said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  He will equip us when we follow Him and prepare us  to do what he has called of us.

Did Peter and Andrew stop and ask Jesus about a salary? Health care plans? Housing allowance? No.  Scripture tells us as soon as Jesus finishes speaking those eleven words, “at once they (Peter and Andrew) left their nets and followed Him.”  Amazing.  Was there something special about Peter and Andrew?  Something that would make them better than the next guy?  The only thing special about these two men was the fact they immediately left their nets and FOLLOWED HIM.  They answered the call that Jesus has commanded all Christians to do.  He has, through His word, spoke those same eleven words to us.  He wants to make you and me fishers of men, are we truly following Him?

                 Am I making disciples?  –no excuses–  Are you making disciples?