In a Nutshell:

Every significant calling comes with a cost. When Jesus called His disciples, they immediately left family businesses, obligations and expectations to follow Him. Today we confront a challenging question: Are you willing to pay the price of purpose? What comfort zones, relationships, or expectations might God be asking you to leave behind to fully embrace His call?

Anchor Verse (NIV)

“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” – Matthew 4:20

Unpacking the Word

There’s something simultaneously inspiring and unsettling about the disciples’ immediate response to Jesus’ call. When He approached Simon Peter and Andrew as they cast their nets into the sea, simply saying, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men,” their response was immediate and absolute: “They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” No family discussion, no transition plan, no weighing of options—just radical obedience.

The pattern continues with James and John, who were working in their family fishing business with their father Zebedee. The text specifically notes they “left the boat and their father” to follow Jesus. This wasn’t a casual decision—it meant walking away from livelihood, security, and family expectations. Their response highlights a profound truth: following Jesus wholeheartedly often requires leaving something behind.

This immediate abandonment of nets and boats wasn’t irresponsible—it was prioritizing the higher call. We don’t know how their families responded, but Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:36 suggest it wasn’t always positive: “A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” The painful reality is that pursuing God’s purpose sometimes creates tension with those closest to us who don’t understand or share our calling.

Not everyone demonstrated the disciples’ immediate obedience. Jesus encountered others who wanted to follow Him but with conditions attached: “Lord, let me first go and bury my father” or “let me first go and bid farewell to those in my house.” To these, Jesus’ response was challenging: “Let the dead bury their own dead” and “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The placement of that word “first” revealed misaligned priorities.

The price of purpose isn’t paid just once at the beginning of the journey—it’s an ongoing reality. Throughout history, those who accomplished great things for God often faced misunderstanding, opposition, and criticism, frequently from those closest to them. Yet the promised blessing of honoring God first—that “it may go well with you and that you may live long”—far outweighs the temporary discomfort of misalignment with earthly expectations.

Faith in Action

• What “nets” might God be calling me to leave behind to follow Him more fully?
• Where am I saying “first let me…” when God is calling for immediate obedience?
• Action Step: Identify one step of obedience you’ve been delaying and commit to taking action this week, regardless of others’ opinions.

A Moment With God

“Lord Jesus, I admire the disciples’ immediate obedience to Your call. Forgive me for the times I’ve hesitated, negotiated, or looked back when You’ve called me forward. Give me courage to leave behind whatever hinders me from fully embracing Your purpose for my life. I choose Your approval over human understanding. Amen.”

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