Follow me

Follow Me

Perhaps you can’t relate to the Disciples reaction to give up everything and “Following” Jesus when he made that request of them.  Did the disciples pray about their decision, discuss it with their family and trusted friends, did they review the benefit package and discuss their compensation before accepting?   The bible only says Jesus made the request to “Follow me” and Matthew got up and followed him (Matthew 9:9) 

I often wonder what I would have done…Would I give up my family, my job, my lifestyle for the unknown???  Would you??? 

Just as important as the request was, I think it is equally important to understand WHO Jesus asked.  In those days, WHO a Rabbi (the teacher) had as a student was a direct reflection on the QUALITY of the Rabbi, himself.  Not EVERYONE was asked, you had to be pre-qualified.  here was generally a rigorous application process and only the cream of the crop was selected.

But Jesus asked Matthew:  The Tax collector—

Perhaps you only know Matthew as the author of one four gospels in the New Testament.  Matthew had been raised a LEVITE (a priest) but had turned his back on the position of his birth to become a reviled Tax collector for the Roman Government.  He was ostracized by his community and his family.  Matthew had all the right credentials as a young man, he know his Torah, had come from good family but he now associated with drunkards and prostitutes.  Matthew was not only a sinner, but he SINNED for a living!  Yet Jesus asked him to be a follower. 

Jesus invitation to Matthew makes it clear that to follow Him we don’t have to be a member of the religious elite, the morally upright or have it all together.   I am blessed to have been "asked" to follow Jesus even though I am unworthy.  Jesus wants you to get up and follow Him, leaving everything behind.  Have you RSVPd to His invitation?