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. 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 NKJV
Imagine you are James and John, just another day mending nets. Another day, going about doing the same thing and living in a circle. Suddenly, someone comes along and there is no hesitation in his voice. He makes a loud call to you. Usually, because you do not know the person, you will not heed that type of call. However, the scripture says, “immediately” they left everything behind and went after Him.
Meanwhile, it’s important to emphasise that Jesus was still in the neighbourhood. This means that Jesus keeps looking for anyone who will come to Him. He still believes that there are people who will yield to Him in that same neighbourhood. The question is, “How long will you ignore that He is in your vicinity”?
This passage is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not a casual decision. It is a radical call that demands our complete attention and commitment. Sometimes, it can feel like leaving our ‘nets’ – our security, expertise, routine, habits, or possessions. James and John did not know what the future held, but they trusted Jesus. They trusted Him above what they were sure of, their nets. Following Jesus requires faith. After you have handed over your life to Jesus, can you hand over what you know? Will you not stay to mend the nets because they are surety? Significantly, we may not have all the answers, but we can trust that He will guide us.
The specifics look different, but the call is the same for all. While Peter and Andrew were casting their net, James and John were mending theirs. Whatever position you are in, the call to follow is the same.
Now, let’s take a look at the contrast of the two responses to Jesus’ call. James and John, fishermen mending their nets, are met with a direct and urgent call. Immediately, they leave everything behind to follow Jesus. There was no debate or internal struggle. It was a total and enthusiastic surrender to the call. However, the young rich ruler in Mark 10, was the one who approached Jesus. However, when He was faced with the demand, he could not do it.
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Mark 10:17-22 NKJV
Following Jesus is more than religious activities. It is a call to complete surrender. A person can be moved by the ministry of Jesus, but if the condition of his heart is not correct, he will not be able to follow Him. The young rich ruler could not leave his ‘nets’. What are the ‘nets’ in your own life that you need to leave behind to follow Jesus closely? Let go of what is comfortable and follow Jesus into the deep!
