Miraculous Moments: Day #10 Follow Me

April 15, 2025

Miraculous Moments

Lent 2025: Day #10

"'But what about you?' he [Jesus] asked. 'Who do you say I am?'"
~Matthew 16:15

"Follow Me."

Bible Verse

Mark 1:16-20

"As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little father, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him."

[Also Matthew 4:18-22]

So, Jesus needs brothers and fishermen, right? These appear to be the qualifications desired (or required) to be one of Jesus' followers. Let's keep reading:

Mark 2: 13-17

"Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?'

One hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

So, apparently, Jesus didn't just call fishermen, and they don't have to be brothers. When we read this closely, we realize a few important details. "A large crowd came to him"--Jesus could have selected any number of people quite certainly from any number of backgrounds. With many already in his midst, Jesus "calls" Matthew as he is working--he is in the tax collector's booth.

Jesus' explanation to the Pharisees is important in order for us to understand: Jesus wants those who are coachable.

The underlying, unspoken question that may have been stirring within the Pharisees: Why was I (a devout Pharisee) not selected?--After all, I am spiritually far superior to any of these.

One may think that this scene isn't miraculous; however, I know that this calling--this compelling by the Holy Spirit is miraculous. Like a magnetic pull, the call of Jesus draws us in. Those of us who accept the call have to break free of and continue to resist the worldly pull that doesn't want to give us up to Jesus.

Those of us who have accepted the call know that this is one of the most miraculous moments in our lives; so much so, that we want to help lead others to such a miraculous moment in their own lives. We want all to know and follow Jesus.

Great and Mighty God, we love You. We are so thankful that You call us. You are willing to call us from the busy-ness of our lives to lead a life filled with You, Your Word, Your Teaching and Your Guidance. Help us to accept that call and truly live following You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.