Making the cut

Making the cut

Bible: Matthew 4:18-22

Reading

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (V.19).

Every year youth view different colleges and universities and complete application forms way in advance, hoping to one day be accepted and keep going with their education. It was different for the youth in New Testament times. Jewish girls wouldn’t get much teaching at all, and the boys would often go to rabbinical (religious) schools until they were thirteen. Then only the best and brightest would be chosen to follow the local rabbi. This small, select group of disciples would go where he went and eat what he ate—modelling their lives after him. Those who didn’t make the cut would pick up an everyday trade like carpentry, sheep-herding or fishing.

Guys like Simon, Andrew, James and John hadn’t made the cut. So instead of following the local rabbi, they were down by the docks, kneedeep in the family business. It’s interesting that Jesus turned to the men the local rabbi had rejected. Instead of targeting the best and brightest, Jesus offered His invitation, “Follow Me,” to ordinary nobodies. How amazing! They would become followers of the ultimate Rabbi. Jesus offers the same thing to you and me—not because we are the best or brightest, but because He loves us and knows us; He made us! He wants us to model His life to the people we know, with the hope that they will also join Him. He doesn’t turn anyone away! So, follow Him and let Him make something of your life!

EVEN THE ORDINARY MAKE THE CUT

TO FOLLOW JESUS.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries