Teenside Daily Devotional

4/1/20
Read Matthew 4:18-22.

Before you can completely understand this passage, some context is needed. It was quite normal in this time for a rabbi to select and call on “high school age” boys to follow him. Not necessarily in the exact same sense as Jesus did since Jesus asked them to leave everything (in another passage), but it was more of a mentorship. Another important bit of context is that Peter and Andrew had already been following Jesus for at least a year at this point. Their initial interaction takes place in John 1:35-42. The assumption is that they had returned to normal work for a short period of time to make some money for their continued learning with him. This changes the way that we should look at this section of Scripture. Now, instead of calling them for the first time, we can see that Jesus was calling them into something deeper than before. A year ago, they weren’t ready to be “fishers of men.” Yet, now they are! So, he calls them to be. And their response is immediate. They follow him. Most who will read this today have already decided to give their life to Jesus. Is he calling you into something deeper today? The answer to this question is always “yes,” so don’t think for too long. The answer that I can’t give for you is in what ways. That is for you to seek from the Spirit within you. If you need assistance, recall the path of discipleship: seeking, following, growing, multiplying (found at the bottom). See where you need to grow!

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*

1. In what ways is Jesus calling you deeper? How will this push you outside of your comfort zone?

2. Peter and Andrew had something at stake. They had been following Jesus for a while, and intended to keep following him after they had gotten the resources to do so. If they chose to drop what they were doing now, they wouldn’t have an income. But yet, this is what we see Jesus call them into. They are called to a deeper level of faith that would only come with a deeper level of trust. What do you need to let go of? Where is Jesus calling you to trust Him?

3. What gave Andrew and Peter the confidence to risk it all? What gives you the confidence to go deeper with Christ? 

4. Take a moment to journal about the path of discipleship. Where do you think you are right now? (It’s okay if you fall into more than one category). Be specific when you journal– what/where do you struggle with your faith right now? What/where comes easily? Where is Jesus calling you deeper?

Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Pray that Jesus would show you where He is calling you to a deeper relationship with Him. Pray that you would be aware of the things you need to give up in order to trust Him more. Thank Jesus for the confidence you can have in Him– He is faithful and will finish the good work He started in you.

Verse to Meditate on: Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”