A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

JESUS CHOSE HIS DISCIPLES 

Matthew 4:18-20 “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.” 

Are you aware there are many shortages in the United States? Items you may be surprised included on the shortage list are toilet paper, car rentals, workers, chicken wings and eggs. You may not be aware there is a pastor shortage, at least within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. 400 congregations are seeking a pastor without much success. 400 additional congregations do not have a pastor, but at this time have stopped looking.   

In today’s text, Jesus starts His search for the men who serve as His disciples. You will note He did not go to the temple or synagogue in his search. Instead, he began at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He approached two brothers who were fishermen. He said to Simon Peter and Andrew, “Come, follow Me and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.” 

The key to these two brothers becoming His disciples was Jesus. He said to them, “I will send you out to fish for people.” Jesus continued to select men from various backgrounds to become His disciples until He had chosen twelve of them. Through the Holy Spirit, men from a variety of backgrounds are still being chosen to become “fishers of men.”  

  Initially twelve was the number Jesus chose. Not enough, one would think, but that was all Jesus needed. From those twelve and the countless others since, by the choosing of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Gospel and the Sacraments billions are now believers in Jesus Christ.   

Pray to the Holy Spirit to move the hearts of men in our day to “drop their nets,” follow Jesus and become fishers of men.   

Prayer: Holy Spirit, enter into the hearts and lives of Christian men throughout the world to become fishers of men. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult Of our life’s wild, restless sea,
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth, Saying, “Christian, follow me.” 

As of old Saint Andrew heard it By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home and toil and kindred, Leaving all for His dear sake. 

Jesus calls us from the worship Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us, Saying, “Christian, love Me more.” 

In our joys and in our sorrows, Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love Me more than these.” 

Jesus calls us; by Thy mercies, Savior, make us hear Thy call;
Give our hearts to Thine obedience, Serve and love Thee best of all.  (TLH 270)