←
Explanation for:
Matthew
4
:
22
And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him.
11
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Observe their faith and devotion. They were engaged in their trade (and as you understand, fishing holds great appeal), yet upon hearing the Lord's summons, they immediately responded without delay, without deferring to a later moment, and without saying, ‘Let us return home to seek counsel from our family.’ Instead, they abandoned everything to follow Him, mirroring Elisha’s commitment to Elijah. Christ requires this same devotion from us, that we should not waver for even an instant, regardless of how pressing the circumstances may be."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is recorded that Peter and Andrew abandoned their nets, while James and John departed from their father and their boat. To follow Christ, one must primarily relinquish three key aspects: the deeds of the flesh, material possessions, and earthly parents. Leaving the fishing nets symbolizes the renunciation of sinful actions, while the boat signifies the forsaking of worldly goods, and the father represents the detachment from all earthly familial ties. Notice that the sequence is first the nets, then the boat, and finally the father. It is essential to abandon worldly concerns first, as they hinder spiritual growth. Next comes the relinquishment of possessions; although having material things is not inherently detrimental, attachment to them can be harmful. Lastly, although familial relationships may also pose challenges, their impact is lesser compared to the attachment to riches or the pursuits of this world. Thus, they left the boat to steer the vessel of the Church; they abandoned the nets to catch not fish for earthly sustenance, but souls for heavenly glory; and they departed from one father to become the spiritual guides for all."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"Indeed, the kingdom of God cannot be quantified by any earthly measure; rather, it holds value equal to what you possess. For Zacchaeus, its worth was half of his wealth, as he had set aside the other half for repaying fourfold what he had wrongfully taken. For Peter and Andrew, it meant abandoning their fishing nets and boat, while for the widow, it represented her two small coins, and for another, a simple cup of cold water. Thus, as previously stated, the kingdom of God is valued based on what you are willing to give."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Zebedee seemingly lacked faith, leading to his sons parting from him. One should depart from a parent when they hinder the pursuit of righteousness and holiness. Observing that the first disciples, Simon and Andrew, had chosen to follow Christ, Zebedee's sons quickly decided to follow Him as well, emulating their example."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Consider their faith, which led them to disregard their father; prioritizing Christ above parents is essential. Their ability to endure hardship with grace, to gather their own sustenance, to be united in love, to care for their father, and to serve him demonstrates their commendable character. It is likely that they learned from Peter and Andrew about Christ's promise to transform His disciples into fishers of men."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"AND THEY IMMEDIATELY LEFT THE BOAT AND THEIR FATHER AND FOLLOWED HIM. It is important to observe that the Lord does not instruct the apostles to abandon the boat and their father directly; rather He invites them to “Follow Me” (Mark 1:17). However, in their desire to obey this command, it becomes evident that they must first forsake both the boat and their father. Therefore, anyone truly seeking the path to salvation must be willing to renounce all worldly attachments and anything that stands in the way of the soul's salvation. The blessed Theophylact notes, “this is the case” when one must forsake their father if he obstructs the pursuit of virtue and the pleasing of God. One must trust that the heavenly Father, in response to your obedience to His will, will not only guide you toward heaven but can also draw your earthly father, who stands in opposition, to salvation through your faith. Consequently, the newly called apostles, who were fishermen, responded to the voice of the Lord by leaving behind their lake, their former vocation, and their father to follow Him. Thus, it may be said that the fishing boat served as the cradle of Christianity, and the fishing nets became its midwives."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus’ Teaching by the Lake The news of the Messiah’s arrival spread rapidly throughout Galilee, drawing large crowds eager to hear His teachings. Each individual among the multitude yearned to draw closer, fixated on Him in silence. One day, while He stood by the lakeshore, the people pressed so closely that He had to step into a boat to continue His message. The Miraculous Catch of Fish After concluding His lesson, Jesus instructed Simon to venture into deeper waters and cast his net for a catch. The seasoned fisherman, who had toiled through the night without success, doubted that he would fare any better this time. Nevertheless, he submitted to Jesus’ command. To the astonishment of Peter, James, John, and the others assisting them, the haul was astonishing. While those unfamiliar with fishing might have rejoiced at such a bountiful catch, the experienced fishermen understood that under the current conditions, no fish could have been caught without divine intervention. Peter, overwhelmed by the realization of this miracle, fell to his knees before Jesus, exclaiming, “Come out from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). In this heartfelt plea, Peter acknowledged the greatness and sanctity of Jesus and humbly recognized his own unworthiness to be in His presence. At that moment, Peter was unaware that Jesus had come to call sinners to repentance; like others of his time, he believed that the Righteous One could only associate with the righteous. As Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, He reassured Peter by saying, “Do not be afraid. Following Me now, you will afterwards draw men's minds and hearts to you by My word; no longer a fisherman, you will become a fisher of men; from now on you will be a fisher of men” (Luke 5:10). Upon hearing this invitation, Peter, along with Andrew, James, and John, brought their boats ashore, abandoning their nets and the fish to follow Jesus. The Evangelists Matthew and Mark narrate this same calling of the disciples but omit the miraculous catch of fish that preceded it, leading to a slight inconsistency with Luke's account. For comparison, we refer to the accounts of the first two Evangelists: Matthew 4:18-22: “But as He was passing near the sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting their nets into the sea, for they were fishermen, and He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they immediately left their nets and followed Him. And when He went on from there, He saw the other two brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. And they immediately left the boat and their father and followed Him.” Mark 1:16-20: “But as they were passing near the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting their nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And when He had traveled a little way, He saw James Zebedee and John his brother, also in the boat mending their nets; and immediately He called them. And they, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the laborers, followed Him.” A comparison of these harmonious accounts from Matthew and Mark with Luke's narrative indicates that the disciples’ calling took place at the lakeshore while they were in their boats with nets. The only difference suggests that Luke states Peter and his companions were called after the miraculous catch, while Matthew and Mark report that the call happened while Peter and Andrew were casting their nets and James and John were mending theirs. There is no reason to assume that Matthew and Mark are referencing different events than Luke as it would be unlikely for Jesus to call the same disciples twice under such similar circumstances. Therefore, the perceived discrepancies in the Evangelists’ narratives can be understood as Matthew and Mark focusing solely on how Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave everything behind and follow Him, possibly omitting the preceding miracle as they saw the call itself as paramount. This calling of the disciples, as recounted by the three Evangelists, could have been regarded as the first call of Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Jesus as His disciples, had the Evangelist John not provided an account of an earlier calling involving Andrew, Peter, John, James, Philip, and Nathanael, which occurred after John the Baptist’s profound testament to Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God (John 1:35-51). By examining these two calls along with their contexts, it is reasonable to conclude that after the initial call, Jesus' disciples did not consistently accompany Him on His travels and sometimes returned to their former professions. However, following the second call, they became His steadfast companions and subsequently emerged as the chosen apostles among the twelve."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In response, an uplifting message was delivered: \\"Do not be afraid; from now on you will be fishers of men.\\" The Redeemer, as was His custom in all teachings, tapped into the deeper significance of the context. Surrounding them in the boat were bountiful catches from the lake, yet these were beginning to diminish—foreshadowing the eternal stillness of death. From this moment, this repentant individual, having been cleansed and redeemed, was called to a higher mission: to seek the souls that, drawn in by the net of the Gospel, would be granted eternal life. His brother and fellow workers were also destined to become fishers of men."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The initial act of Christ the Savior in Capernaum involved calling Simon, Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee to become His disciples. As the Lord moved along the lakeshore, He observed two boats moored there, from which fishermen had emerged—some were washing their nets while others were repairing them. One of these boats belonged to Simon and his brother Andrew, while the other, positioned slightly farther away, belonged to Zebedee, who was out fishing with his workers and his sons, James and John. Crowds gathered around the Lord, eager to hear His teachings, and He climbed into Simon's boat, asking him to move away from the shore. From there, He imparted His wisdom to the throng. After concluding His message, He instructed Simon, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” To this, Simon replied, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The more Simon doubted their chances of success, the more astonishing must have been the miracle that the Lord performed, which indicated that all their previous struggles could be more than compensated by His command. In obedience, Simon cast down the net and, far exceeding expectations, they caught a vast number of fish, so much so that their net began to break. They signaled their partners in the other boat, who joined them in the effort, filling both boats to the point of sinking. This miraculous catch astonished Simon and all who were with him, evoking feelings of both wonder and fear. Unlike the previous miracles they had witnessed, this phenomenon, in which they had personally participated, struck closer to home. Overwhelmed by deep emotion, Simon fell to his knees before Jesus, exclaiming, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” To this heartfelt confession of sin, the All-Knowing One responded with words of encouragement and a call to a higher purpose: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” He then turned to Simon's companions, inviting them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The fishermen eagerly heeded this call, exemplifying the words of St. Philaret of Moscow with their swift resolve, complete readiness, and unwavering commitment, not hesitating for an instant. After bringing both boats to shore, they forsook everything to follow the Lord Jesus, with James and John even leaving their father Zebedee behind."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But she departed from the vessel and her father and accompanied him (Matthew 4:22). In the Gospel we encounter as described in Hebrews: The Gospel reveals to us... Suddenly, four individuals, who had placed great value in everything they owned and cherished in life, left it all behind to follow Jesus Christ, who had no place to lay His head. This is a remarkable demonstration of the divine influence inherent in the words of Christ! With a single command, ‘Come follow Me’ (Matthew 4:19), Peter, Andrew, James, and John were drawn to Him by an invisible yet compelling force, much like a magnet draws iron to itself through an unseen power. This illustrates the faith with which the Apostles embraced Christ’s word; as noted by another Apostle, the word would be of no value had it remained merely ‘a word heard’ and not been ‘activated by the faith of those who hear’ (Hebrews 4:2)! Although the Lord strengthened His call with a magnificent promise to transform the fishermen into ‘fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:19), this promise was as challenging for them to comprehend and accept as it was to forsake their modest possessions, which seemed necessary for their existence, and the comforts that seemed inextricably linked to human nature. Yet, is it merely astonishment we are meant to experience upon witnessing such extraordinary commitment in the Gospel? Are we to be passive observers of these steadfast followers of Christ, or ought we to also follow Him, who is their sole Leader and Shepherd? Shouldn't we too ‘leave something behind’ to truly become disciples of Christ? - Let us contemplate this, but not for long. It is vital to grasp the fundamental reason that motivated the holy Apostles to leave everything behind so resolutely in their commitment to Christ. Might we assert that it was the immense power of Christ’s word? Indeed, the word of Christ, as the Word of God, possesses boundless authority; nonetheless, it does not operate excessively: thus, this inquiry does not yet present a resolution but transitions to another question: why did Christ’s word exert such a profound effect on the Apostles, leading them to detach from everything to which they felt bound out of necessity, even by nature and divine law? Further, should we affirm that this was particularly imperative for the Apostles, tasked with spreading the Gospel to all creation, that no earthly concern might distract them or hinder their mission, which encompasses the salvation of the entire world? This is indeed valid; however, would it be just for those men, whose service was to reclaim the whole world for God, to be condemned to forsake everything while the rest of us, who are less useful to His Kingdom, are granted the privilege of holding onto the world? Does not our conscience rise against this rationale? And does this not lead us to conclude that if the elect, the saints, companions, friends, siblings, and co-redeemers of Christ had to renounce everything of this world, to lose, to reject, to scorn, to detest, and to forget in order to possess Christ alone, how much more so must we, His undeserving servants, who are rarely esteemed, strive to offer a similar, though perhaps less complete and perfect, sacrifice of faith in Him, love for Him, and adherence to His word and commandments? If there is any uncertainty regarding the correctness of this conclusion, let us put aside our thoughts, along with all else we must relinquish for Christ, and attend to Christ’s own word, which must never be abandoned. He states: ‘If any man come unto Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple’ (Luke 14:26). Should you think that this stringent declaration applies only to a specific disciple or Apostle, the holy Evangelist clarifies that it was directed to the crowds: ‘And there went great multitudes with Him; and He turned, and said unto them’ (Luke 14:25). Thus, this pronouncement is not limited to a select few but applies universally; one cannot be a true disciple of Christ if he does not ‘renounce’ or ‘hate’ all that is naturally cherished, meaning, one must overcome and surpass the love for all that is loved outside of God through a strong love for Him. For what are these sacrifices of deprivation for God, who gains nothing from them? Indeed, God, being all-sufficient and entirely good, has nothing to lose, as He demands nothing; He Himself grants everything and gives freely to all. However, He does not require any deprivation for Himself: yet humanity must undergo such sacrifices to gain the ultimate good. The Gospel clearly illustrates this pattern. The Lord does not command the Apostles, ‘Abandon the sea, leave the vessel, and forsake your father’: He merely invites them; He simply states, ‘Come after Me.’ But when they seek to fulfill this call and follow this mandate, it becomes evident that they must first detach from their boats, their vessels, and their fathers. Had they not forsaken their ship, their possessions, and their father, they would not have followed Jesus. Anyone wishing to embark must first untie, or, in haste, cut the rope by which his boat is tethered to the shore. For those who earnestly desire to journey towards Heaven, it is necessary to either gradually resolve to do so with care and effort, or, if one fears stagnation and feels sufficiently strong, to decisively sever all passionate, earthly attachments. It is essential to be liberated from the desires of the flesh to yield to the yearnings of the spirit. One must trample upon earthly matters to ascend to the wisdom that comes from above. It is imperative to expel the world from one’s heart to create space for boundless love for the infinite God. Here, dear Christians, lies one of the foundational doctrines of the Gospel, presented to us almost at the outset of the Gospel narratives surrounding the acts of Christ and at the beginning of the Apostles’ Gospel journey. Therefore, we do not require much if we prompt you to examine your own consciences about your progress in this teaching. I do not dare to inquire how many among us, in the strictest sense, have truly ‘forsaken all’ (Matthew 19:27; Mark 10:28; Luke 18:28) for the sake of following Jesus Christ. Acknowledging my imperfections and unworthiness, I do not claim the right to interrogate what the Lord asks only of some, under the condition of perfection: ‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me’ (Matthew 19:21). If we have not relinquished everything for Christ in action, do we at least partially fulfill this in intention and desire? Does your heart ever whisper: ‘How much more do I possess in this world compared to what is necessary for my temporary existence! How overwhelmed I am with concerns! How immersed I am in pleasures! O Lord, who have made me poor for Your sake! Grant me the grace to partake of Your holy and saving poverty, to forsake my anxieties, to leave behind my fleeting delights! How vividly do I still cherish this transitory world, and how often am I ensnared, sometimes by burdensome ties of love, at other times by golden chains of love that bring reciprocity and well-being, and how both these bindings embolden me on my path to divine love! O Lord, who love us so deeply that you laid down Your life for us. Help me, in the name of love for You, to moderate my earthly affections, to put to death my divided loyalties, to despise the part of my soul that does not love You sufficiently, so that the pure love of Your Holy Spirit may ‘give me wings like a dove, and I shall fly and be at rest’ (Psalm 54:7) with You, and in You alone! But lest these very feelings entice you through mere illusion or an uncertain impulse to detach from worldly concerns, look around and see if you have truly relinquished anything for God, especially that with which your predominant inclination is most tempted. ‘Abraham was very rich’ (Genesis 13:2), and he neither denied nor squandered his wealth: but when, out of love for God, he did not spare his beloved son, it was clear that he was prepared to offer for God all that he had, without hesitation. Conversely, if you, propelled by your eagerness to serve God, and expressing your willingness to sacrifice everything for Him, have yet to actually give up anything that holds your heart captive to material possessions, then your readiness and desire are indeed questionable. If you have not yet forsaken anything in this world, it is certainly true... Lord, call us with Your all-powerful word to follow You, and instill within us a sincere disposition to leave all things for Your sake, that we may find everything in You and discover our true selves in Your love. Amen."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"She left the boat and her father and went after Him (Matthew 4:22). The Gospel reveals the authority with which our Lord Jesus Christ summoned the chosen disciples to follow Him into the apostolic vocation. This also highlights the obedience and sacrifices with which they responded to His calling. The might of the Caller demonstrates the power of God within Him, while the obedience of those called serves to instruct us in our Christian responsibilities. \\n\\nOn the shores of the Sea of Galilee, four fishermen were occupied with their work. Two were casting their nets, while the other two were mending their nets, evidently torn in the process of fishing. As they went about their tasks, a man approached them and called out to the first two, \\"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.\\" Peter and Andrew recognized in this man the One whom John the Baptist had pointed out at the Jordan as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). At their initial encounter with Simon, He not only addressed him by name but also bestowed upon him the name Peter, which at that moment held an enigmatic significance. This memory should have stirred in Peter and Andrew a reverence for the words of Jesus.\\n\\nHowever, they could not ignore that the Caller was a wanderer, seemingly without a residence, riches, or social prestige. What could compel them to follow someone without any apparent means of support? Peter and Andrew had a humble dwelling, a boat, and fishing gear; how could they relinquish these for a man who possessed none? He would make them \\"fishers of men\\" (Matt. 4:19), but what could this possibly signify? Traditionally, men exert influence over others through power, authority, wealth, or worldly skills, yet neither the Caller nor the called had any of these attributes. \\n\\nWhat did Jesus rightfully expect from Peter and Andrew? If not outright refusal, perhaps uncertainty, reflection, hesitation, and a struggle between the allure of the extraordinary and their attachment to ordinary life, between the hope for the unknown and the fear of losing the familiar without gain. Yet the response was quite the opposite—swift determination and readiness, as they did not even pause to secure their nets lest they be lost or taken by a predator. They cast their nets aside without hesitation.\\n\\nJesus advanced further along the shore, calling out to the other two fishermen, James and John. The effect of this call mirrored that of the first, possibly with even greater astonishment. The Gospel narrative does not indicate that James and John were as forewarned about Jesus as were Andrew and Peter, making their prompt acceptance of His call all the more remarkable. To follow Jesus, James and John were required to leave behind something far more precious than fishing equipment—their father. Yet even the bond of filial love, along with other conflicting emotions and thoughts, could not stand against the authority of Jesus' words.\\n\\nWhat is this power that, in a few spoken words, acts so instantaneously and triumphantly over the strongest natural affections? It must be recognized as a power beyond the natural—Divine, the living and effective Word of God (Heb. 4:12), a voice that accomplishes its purpose (Is. 55:11), through which \\"all things came to be\\" (John 1:3). This same Word, consubstantial with God the Father, spoke creation into existence at the dawn of time, commanding, \\"Let there be light; and there was light\\" (Gen. 1:3). Now, clothed in human nature, He speaks with Divine authority, and what He speaks comes to fruition, compelling the creation to respond as the Creator intends; thus, the fisherman becomes an Apostle.\\n\\nReflecting on this, let us consider how the Lord Jesus manifests His Divinity and saving power in profound ways. The power residing in His Word, spoken from His mouth, is a treasure of divine grace reserved for us within the Holy Gospel. As we contemplate the divine potency of Christ’s Word, we must acknowledge that while it is consistently powerful, it operates differently upon His creations. When He speaks to nature, it must yield to Him: \\"He rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still'; and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm\\" (Mark 4:39). However, when the Word addresses intelligent and free beings, those beings have the freedom to heed His words and accept the saving grace inherent in His messages.\\n\\nWhen the Lord spoke to Peter and Andrew, saying, \\"Come, follow me\\" (Matt. 4:19), He not only urged them to respond but also empowered them to do so, overcoming all obstacles. Yet He did not impose this upon them; He granted them the freedom to embrace His command, along with the grace necessary to carry it out. Therefore, as we extol the divine power of Christ’s words, we must also recognize the human virtue of obedience exhibited by the Apostles. How quickly their will moved in alignment with Christ's call! Immediately they acted upon their intention, willingly sacrificing everything for this purpose: abandoning their boat and father.\\n\\nThis serves as a model for us, illustrating the common Christian duty of obedience to Christ's Word. Such obedience should be prompt, steadfast, and proactive, undeterred by obstacles, ready to make all necessary sacrifices. For Christ did not speak solely to the Apostles; with the same divine authority, He addresses all who aspire to follow Him: Repent and believe; Watch and pray; Be vigilant and prayerful; Be merciful; Love one another. He speaks and simultaneously provides the grace to fulfill these commands.\\n\\nThe call to follow Christ applies universally to all Christians, not merely in the sense of becoming \\"fishers of men,\\" but as a call to salvation. This is evident from another of His declarations: \\"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me\\" (John 12:26). Every Christian bears the responsibility to serve Christ, and thus, to follow Him. Ignoring this duty is grievous, especially since the One who commands also provides the means to fulfill His call, yet does not coerce us.\\n\\nLet us, then, examine ourselves and awaken our spirits. The Lord beckons us to serve and to follow Him. Where does He lead? \\"Where I am,\\" He states, \\"there My servant will also be\\" (John 12:26). What a lofty goal He sets before us! He also equips us to attain it. But can we, each of us, without stirring our conscience, express, \\"My heart is ready, O God, ready\\" (Psalm 56:8)? In our finest moments, when it seems our souls align with His Word (Song 5:6), do our actions follow His commands? Are we not ensnared by worldly cares and affections that hinder our steps in His path? \\n\\nWhen contemplating the true way of the Lord and hearing His call, do we not question what to do with our families, friends, social obligations, or possessions that cannot accompany us on this journey? Indeed, it is a narrow path, and we can hardly bring many along. Yet we must remember that there is no other route to salvation except this narrow way, and entering it is essential for true salvation. If you genuinely wish to be saved, be a faithful follower of Christ, adhering to His true faith and commandments, and willingly depart from anything that cannot accompany you on this singular path to salvation. Lord, by the power of Your Word, grant us grace to follow You! Lead us in Your footsteps, and let us flow into the peace that You offer (Song 1:3). Amen."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
