In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus charged His apostles to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Further, they were to teach those baptized to observe what He had commanded. So then, are you a disciple of Jesus today?
Let us all consider the mindset of a disciple that was displayed by Peter when Jesus called him. During that time Jesus was teaching at the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-3). Then, Jesus told Peter to let down his net into the deep (Luke 5:4-5). When Peter and his fellows did as Jesus told them, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking (Luke 5:6). Did you notice the mindset of a disciple of Jesus manifested in Peter?
When Jesus instructed Peter to let down his net, he did not think it would do any good (Luke 5:5a). They had been fishing all night, but they had caught no fish. Honestly, wouldn’t a fisherman know more about fishing than a carpenter? Yet, Peter said, “Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5b). As the result of doing the Lord’s word, the catch was overwhelming for one net and even for two boats. Here we see the mindset of a disciple: “Nevertheless at Your word I will.”
Peter and his coworkers were astonished at their success (Luke 5:9-10a). Then, Jesus reassured Peter and called him and his partners to follow Him (Luke 5:10b-11). Through the words of Peter, we can know that he did not think that he was good enough (“I am a sinful man, O Lord!”). Following the Lord meant leaving behind a successful business and family. In addition, to follow the Lord, Peter may have left his wife at home, too (Luke 4:38; 18:28; 1 Corinthians 9:5); James and John left their father (Matthew 4:21-22). Importantly, the result of doing the Lord’s word is a greater service (Luke 6:13-14), and even greater rewards follow (Luke 22:28-30). Peter, together with James and John, illustrate what must characterize a disciple of Jesus—a willingness to do whatever the Lord says, no matter the cost, even when we do not understand why.
After becoming the disciple of the Lord, we may not think we can do any good. We might think we are too sinful, but it is important to keep in our hearts the knowledge that Jesus calls sinners (Luke 5:8, 32). Having a willingness to serve, even the rankest of sinners can serve Him (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Furthermore, we are to follow Jesus first and before seeking family, work and self-interests. Jesus must always come before family and even before oneself (Luke 14:26; Matthew 10:37; Luke 9:23-26). Not only that, but Jesus must come before work as well (Luke 14:16-24). How can we leave everything behind? It is not easy, but let us all keep in mind that for those willing to follow Jesus, the rewards are great—not only for this present life, but also for the age to come, eternal life! (Luke 18:30).
The Lord may ask us to do things that we do not think will work, such as laying up treasure in heaven instead of on earth for oneself (Luke 12:15-21) or seeking the kingdom of God first (Luke 12:22-34; Matthew 6:33). The Lord may ask us to do things we do not yet understand, such as why be baptized for the remission of our sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), why observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7), why not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25), why singing is commanded and not playing instruments (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), why women are not permitted public roles in worship (1 Corinthians 14:34-37) and why churches are not to be burdened by familial responsibilities (1 Timothy 5:16).
However, for those who obey our Lord Jesus, the rewards are great because our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). We also look forward to a great and enduring reward (Matthew 25:34; 2 Peter 1:11). Finally, is our mindset that of being a disciple (“Nevertheless at Your word I will”)?
