Read Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus doesn’t settle for admirers – instead He calls His disciples to learn a new trade. A new reality. A new way of seeing life. He calls to them to apprentice under Him. Apprenticeship is not about observing Jesus from afar; it’s about spending time with Him, learning His rhythms, and letting His presence shape you.

Discipleship grows through relationship – not simply through information. The invitation by Jesus to follow Him isn’t just to observe, but to truly learn directly from Him. To be taught by Him. For disciples to place their hands, their feet, and their trust in the same places where Jesus places His. Peter, Andrew, James and John don’t  yet understand who Jesus fully is, but they are willing to be near Him. Faith often develops not through answers, but through closeness. Being with Jesus precedes doing things for Jesus.

You may admire Jesus, respect His teaching, or agree with His values. But His invitation goes deeper. He invites you to spend time with Him—to shape your life around His presence. Apprenticeship isn’t rushed; it’s relational. And it always begins with coming close.

Reflection Questions:

• What details stand out to you about where Jesus calls Peter and Andrew in this passage?
• How is following Jesus different from simply admiring or agreeing with Him?
• In what ways might you be settling to simply admire Jesus without fully apprenticing under Him?
• What would it look like to spend more intentional time with Him?

Journaling Prompt:

Take time to reflect on what might be holding you back from fully following Jesus. Write about what it would look like to trust Him with your next step.