Week 1 | Day 4 THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES Matthew 4:18-22 | Luke 5:1-11 | John 1:35-51

On the shore of Galilee, Jesus walked up to ordinary fishermen and said the extraordinary: “Follow Me.” Matthew says they “immediately left their nets.” Luke showed Him filling their boats with fish first, then calling them to become “fishers of men.” John lets us overhear those first conversations—“Come and see”… “You will see greater things than these.”

In the world of these twelve men, this was massive. To be chosen by a rabbi as his talmidim (disciples) was a dream—and these men had already missed that first cut. Yet Jesus gave them a second chance and a far greater calling than they imagined. Their part? Drop the nets. Leave their old security, identity, and agenda to follow Him. Our story is the same: Jesus calls us to Himself, promises to work in and through us, and invites us to trade our will for His. Following Him always means laying something down so that He might fully live and lead in us.

APPLICATION

1. Hear His Call Personally

Don’t just believe Jesus calls people in general—He is calling you to know and follow Him today.

2. Name Your Nets

Identify what you’re clinging to for security, identity, or control that keeps you from trusting Him.

3. Choose Surrender Over Comfort and Convenience

Following Jesus is not an add-on to your life; it’s a total reorientation around His will and Word.

4. Think Transformation, not Mere Association

Jesus doesn’t just want you near Him; He intends to make you a “fisher of men”—a life that influences others for Him.

PRAYER

Jesus, Thank You that You still walk into ordinary lives and say, “Follow Me.” Thank You for calling me, not because I’m worthy, but because You are gracious. Show me the “nets” I need to drop, the places where I’m still clinging to my own will and way. Today, I choose to surrender afresh—my plans, my comfort, my reputation—to You. Increase Your life in me, and make me a true disciple who helps others find and follow You. Use my life, like those first disciples, to point people to You. In Your name I pray, Amen.