In Matthew 4:21-22, we read about Jesus calling His first disciples. This moment is significant, not merely because these men met Jesus and believed in Him, but because it marks a transition from mere acquaintance to committed discipleship.
Interestingly, these men, including Andrew and Simon Peter, had encountered Jesus earlier, as described in John 1. Scholars suggest this initial meeting might have occurred about a year prior. In John 1, John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to two of his disciples, one of whom was Andrew. Andrew then brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus, declaring, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41). They believed in Jesus and spent that day with Him, yet they did not become His permanent followers at that time.
It wasn't until later, in Matthew 4, that Jesus called them while they were fishing. He invited them to follow Him, and they left their nets and their father immediately. This marked their true call to discipleship.
This story highlights two stages of relationship with Jesus. Initially, Andrew and Peter knew who Jesus was and believed in Him, but their lives remained largely unchanged. It was only when Jesus called them to follow Him as disciples that their lives were transformed.
Many people today have a similar initial relationship with Jesus. They believe in Him and know about Him but have not yet responded to the call of discipleship. Being a Christian, according to the New Testament, means being a disciple—someone who not only knows about Jesus but follows Him closely, learns from Him, and allows His teachings to transform their lives.
Discipleship is a call from God Himself. It’s about moving from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him and following Him. If you feel you are at the stage of just knowing about Jesus, consider listening for His call to deeper discipleship and be ready to follow Him when He calls.
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