Something interesting happened when Jesus called his disciples for the first time, and that is that He told them to “follow me,” and most simply left what they were doing and followed the Master. This simple invitation carried a depth that went far beyond words, because it demanded a complete reorientation of life, priorities, and purpose. To follow Jesus was not merely to walk behind Him, but to submit one’s entire life to His authority and teaching. For example:
The call of Jesus was direct, personal, and powerful. He did not begin with long explanations or promises of comfort. Instead, He called men exactly where they were, in the middle of their daily routines. This reveals that the grace of God reaches people in ordinary circumstances, transforming common lives into instruments of divine purpose.
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
Mark 2:14
Here we can notice how with a single word, “follow me,” this man leaves his job and follows the Master. Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector, a profession despised by many in Israel. His position gave him financial security, yet it also associated him with corruption and social rejection. When Jesus called him, Levi did not hesitate. He left behind his former life to embrace a new identity as a disciple of Christ.
This immediate response teaches us an important lesson about true discipleship. When Jesus calls, He expects obedience, not negotiation. Levi understood that the value of following Christ far outweighed the comfort and security of his occupation. His response demonstrates faith in action, trusting the One who called him without fully knowing what lay ahead.
However, not everyone responded to Jesus in the same way. Others needed a little more persuasion to be able to follow the Master, revealing the internal struggle that often arises when divine calling confronts human attachments:
And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Matthew 8:21–22
As we can see, there were also people who wanted to follow the Master but were not willing to give it all up right away. The request to bury one’s father may sound reasonable, but Jesus’ response reveals the urgency and priority of the kingdom of God. The expression “let the dead bury their dead” seems to refer to the fact that spiritual life must take precedence over earthly obligations when the call of Christ is given.
Jesus was not dismissing family responsibility, but rather exposing a heart that delayed obedience. Following Christ cannot be postponed indefinitely. Delayed obedience often becomes disguised disobedience, as excuses slowly replace commitment. The Master calls for total allegiance, not partial devotion.
Today, beloved brother, we want to ask you, what would you do if what happened to Philip happened to you?
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
John 1:43
Philip was one of those who immediately believed in the call of Jesus of Nazareth. He did not question, delay, or seek reassurance. His response reflects a heart ready to receive truth. Philip recognized something extraordinary in Jesus and responded with trust and obedience.
So strong was Philip’s conviction that he could not keep it to himself. Immediately, he went to share what he had found, showing us that genuine faith naturally leads to witness:
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
John 1:45
Philip’s words reveal a deep understanding of Scripture. He connects Jesus to the promises of Moses and the prophets, affirming that Christ is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. This shows that following Jesus does not mean abandoning Scripture, but rather seeing it fulfilled in Him.
Nathanael, however, was so incredulous that he responded, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” His skepticism reflects a common human tendency to judge God’s work based on preconceived ideas. Nazareth was an insignificant town, and Nathanael struggled to believe that the Messiah could come from such a place.
Yet, when Jesus met Nathanael, everything changed. The Master spoke of Nathanael with intimate knowledge, saying, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” This revelation astonished Nathanael, showing that Jesus possessed divine knowledge. At that moment, Nathanael realized he was standing before more than a teacher; he was before the Son of God.
Only then did Nathanael begin to believe, and Jesus told him that he would see even greater things. This encounter reminds us that Christ meets us in our doubts, revealing Himself in ways that strengthen faith. God is patient with honest skepticism, yet He calls each person to move from doubt to belief.
Beloved brother that you are reading, if you ever had this opportunity to receive the Master’s call, would you be one of those who followed at once, or would you be one of those who made excuses to follow later? This question confronts every heart. The call of Jesus still echoes today, inviting men and women to leave behind sin, fear, and self-reliance.
Following Christ requires sacrifice, but it also brings purpose, hope, and eternal life. Those who respond immediately discover that what they leave behind is insignificant compared to what they gain in Him. If you still do not follow the Master, we invite you to do so today. His call remains the same: “Follow me,” and those who respond will never walk alone.