DAILY DEVOTION, August 13, 2021

When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. ²⁰ And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him (Mark 1:19-20).

Jesus is calling His disciples. Here He calls James and John. They are busy mending nets with their father in the boat. They immediately leave their father and begin to follow Jesus. In the first century, a Jew who wanted to become a disciple of a rabbi would leave his home and job and follow the rabbi. They would stay with the rabbi 24/7, learning from him.

James and John follow this pattern. They quickly abandon their family and profession to follow Jesus. They were with Him for three years, observing His miracles and learning from Him.

What does this have to do with us? To be a disciple of Jesus means He is the first priority in life. Yes, we have jobs and families, but Jesus comes before everything else. We devote ourselves to studying the Scriptures. In this manner, we walk with Jesus. If family or job interferes with discipleship, we chose Jesus.

I don’t know what Zebedee thought. We are not told. Perhaps he called out to his sons, “Boys, these nets are not mended yet. Where do you think you are going?” In any event, when Jesus says, “Follow me,” we follow. He becomes our first priority.

Blessed Jesus, I want to follow You. I want You to have first place in my life. Please help me to be a faithful disciple whatever the cost., In Your name, I pray, Amen.