Early in Mark’s Gospel we have recorded for us a historical account of Jesus’ invitation to His first disciples. (A)“And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’”
Jesus’ invitation to His first disciples is still His invitation to everyone after (see Mark 8:34). It’s an invitation to self-denial. Why self-denial? For the one who (B)“exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” It’s an invitation to taking up your own cross in order to endure suffering with Him for righteousness sake in a sinful world. For (C)“if we endure with Him we will also reign with Him.”
It’s an invitation to follow Him. In other words, Jesus invites us all to be His disciples; to learn from Him. For He is has said that He is (D)“gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Do you want rest for your soul?
Jesus’ invitation transformed His first disciples in drastic and dramatic ways. From an inflated sense of self importance, doubtful skepticism, fearfulness, vengeful anger and even cowardice, to humble, faithful, bold, loving and courageous men who very early on were said to have (E)“turned the world upside down.” Following Jesus transformed their lives for their good, for the good of others and for the glory of God. We are still reaping the positive benefits of that to this day.
As you read about Jesus in these posts I pray that you will be inspired to go further and read about Jesus in the Bible for yourself. I also pray that as you learn about Jesus and from Jesus, as recorded in the Bible, that you too will receive His transformational invitation to “come follow me.”
References:
A. English Standard Version Bible, 2001; Mark1:17
B. English Standard Version Bible, 2001; Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:14
C. English Standard Version Bible, 2001; 2 Timothy 2:12
D. English Standard Version Bible, 2001; Matthew 11:29
E. English Standard Version Bible, 2001; Acts 17:6
Comefollowme 
Leave a comment