The Invitation is a Declaration

Matthew 4:19, “’Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’”

Jesus’ first invitation to those who would become his disciples (and the apostles) is really more than an invitation - it’s a challenging declaration too. Most invitations give you an option of refusal. Jesus’ invitation gives you the option of a transformation to live life with a cause that is bigger than yourself.

Jesus was very clear. First, He said “Come” – which means a directional change toward Him and not away from Him. Second, He said, “Follow me” – which means an understanding that the leadership of their lives will not be left to them alone. Third, Jesus said, “I will make you” – which calls for the submission and humility in the student-teacher relationship. Last in His invitation, He says they would become “fishers of men” – this would mean a commitment to change  and be in His family’s business.

This invitation, and declaration, is still a clarion call to every Christ follower today. What will we choose? His hope is that you respond much like those first disciples did, “At once they left their nets and followed him.” Leave what you must, choose today, and follow Him!