'Family and Following Jesus' — Matthew 4:21-22
A little farther up the shore [after calling Peter and Andrew, Jesus] saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.— Matthew 4:21-22 NLT
Key Thought
Most of the time, when a person comes to Christ, that person is more loved and more greatly appreciated by his or her family. This greater love is because of the Lord's strong demand that we honor our fathers and mothers and not use religion to neglect our responsibilities to them. But sometimes following the Lord means we must leave our family behind, as James and John did. Our sincere hope is that Zebedee became a devoted follower of Jesus, too. But even if he was a believer, when his sons left to follow Jesus, they also left their father and their family business behind. That's giving up a great deal. But Jesus is worthy of our sacrifices. Jesus promises that we will not give up family without finding more family. The most important relationship we must have if we want to bless our family is the one with Jesus as Lord. Everything else must flow from that commitment.
Today's Prayer
O Holy Father, please help me to recognize the importance of reverencing Jesus as my Lord and placing him above all other relationships. By the grace, power, and authority of Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Matthew 10:37-38
Matthew 19:29-30
Luke 22:28-30
A little farther up the shore [after calling Peter and Andrew, Jesus] saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.— Matthew 4:21-22 NLT
Key Thought
Most of the time, when a person comes to Christ, that person is more loved and more greatly appreciated by his or her family. This greater love is because of the Lord's strong demand that we honor our fathers and mothers and not use religion to neglect our responsibilities to them. But sometimes following the Lord means we must leave our family behind, as James and John did. Our sincere hope is that Zebedee became a devoted follower of Jesus, too. But even if he was a believer, when his sons left to follow Jesus, they also left their father and their family business behind. That's giving up a great deal. But Jesus is worthy of our sacrifices. Jesus promises that we will not give up family without finding more family. The most important relationship we must have if we want to bless our family is the one with Jesus as Lord. Everything else must flow from that commitment.
Today's Prayer
O Holy Father, please help me to recognize the importance of reverencing Jesus as my Lord and placing him above all other relationships. By the grace, power, and authority of Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Matthew 10:37-38
Matthew 19:29-30
Luke 22:28-30
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