Imagine a competition of millions of contestants. The Disciples are to be picked by superstar judges on national TV. If the qualifications are hot tempers, impulsiveness, brashness, cowardness, and subpar education, Peter is a shoo-in. However, I don’t think that those qualities gain any points. Peter’s application does not make it to the first round.
PETER WOULD NOT MAKE EVEN THE LAST DRAFT
John F. Kennedy, one of our most famous presidents, was known for surrounding himself with the best and the brightest, characterized by youth, high-level academic credentials, intellectual capacity, and a blend of intense loyalty with diverse expertise. They were merit-driven, action-oriented individuals, frequently drawn from Ivy League institutions and business leaders. Peter would never be a candidate for Kennedy’s team.
WILLING TO FOLLOW
In Matthew 4:18-22 (NET) (AMP), Jesus did not call the greatest, the smartest, the best-looking, the strongest, or anything else. He chose the willing. What were they to do? Follow. Shawne Thomas remarks, “For those first disciples, ‘following’ Jesus meant literally, physically, leaving where they were and following Him wherever He went. They left their jobs, they left their nets, they left their families, they left their priorities, they left their plans, they left everything, to follow Jesus.”
JESUS’ FIRST PICK….NOT HIS LAST
They were Jesus’ first pick. I’ve never been first pick for anything. Be astounded, Jesus calls you! He wants you! John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Jesus picks His disciples, His followers, to fish. “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” To follow Jesus doesn’t just mean to walk behind Him, but to go the way He is going, do the things that He does, and act the way He acts. His followers participate in Divine fishing.
Where are His fishing grounds? Jesus did not tell the Disciples where He was going. Every day was new as Jesus healed, helped, taught, and carried out the mission the Father sent Him to accomplish. For those of us who like everything nicely laid out and explained, following Jesus is a wild ride. It can be scary. Just like the first disciples, genuine Jesus followers are challenged beyond their natural skills, strengths, and abilities. God gives us people and situations that stretch us beyond the scope of our imagination.
JESUS’ FIRST PICK
What are you willing to leave behind to follow Jesus? Hopes and dreams? Hurts and resentments? Money and time? Friends and stuff? Jesus calls you to a life that fulfills God’s purpose. God promises to equip us to be Jesus’ followers fully. We must leave our baggage behind. The key is to be willing to let go, follow, and obey. Maybe no one in this world would pick you for Jesus’ team, but the Savior beckons you. You are His first pick. Will you follow?
For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:1-11)
Click to read more on becoming equipped as a disciple.