What Jesus Did! 'Family and Following Jesus' — Matthew 4:21-22

Sunday, February 2, 2025

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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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 4:21-22 NLT — 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.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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