Sermon thoughts and other musings

In this passage, we see Jesus learning of John's arrest. John the Baptist had been preparing the way for Jesus, proclaiming a call to repentance and faith in the one who was to come. After hearing the bad news about John, Jesus begins to recruit disciples himself.

"As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." (Matthew 4:18-19)

Simon and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus. But why did they go? What did Jesus promise them? Jesus didn't promise them their own reward; Jesus didn't say "Follow me, and I will make you rich" or "Follow me, and I promise you entry to heaven." Instead, Jesus only offers them the chance to do more work: "I will make you fish for people." Jesus calls them with an opportunity to serve.

Are you ready to follow Jesus on those terms? Are you ready to follow Jesus being promised nothing more than the opportunity to work for him? Or do you want something from Jesus, rather than following him so you can give?