Follow Me

📿 Forty Steps with Jesus: Walking the Road to the Cross

🕊️ Welcome Moment

Some invitations change everything. They interrupt routines, redirect priorities, and reshape the entire trajectory of a life. When Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee and spoke two simple words—“Follow Me”—He wasn’t offering a suggestion. He was extending a calling that would transform ordinary fishermen into world‑changing disciples.

As you walk these Forty Steps with Jesus, today’s passage invites you to hear His call again. Not as a distant echo from the past, but as a present invitation to trust, surrender, and step into a life shaped by His presence.

📖 Scripture Immersion

Matthew 4:18–22 (NIV)
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him… and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

Read slowly. Notice the immediacy. Notice the simplicity. Notice the surrender.

🌄 Snapshot

Picture a fisherman mending his nets at dawn. The work is familiar, the rhythm steady. Then a voice breaks through the morning air—gentle but authoritative. He looks up and sees Jesus. Something in that moment awakens a longing he didn’t know he carried.

He drops the net.
He steps forward.
He follows.

Not because he understands everything.
Not because the path is clear.
But because the One calling him is worth leaving everything for.

🔍 Deep Dive

“Come, follow me…”
Jesus doesn’t begin with rules or explanations.
He begins with relationship.
The call is personal, direct, and full of promise.

“…and I will send you out…”
Following Jesus always leads to purpose.
He doesn’t just call you from something—He calls you into something.

“…to fish for people.”
Jesus transforms ordinary skills into kingdom impact.
He uses what you already know and reshapes it for His mission.

“At once they left their nets…”
Obedience often requires letting go—of comfort, security, or familiar patterns.
The disciples didn’t delay. They responded with trust.

“…and immediately they left the boat and their father…”
Following Jesus reorders priorities.
It places Him above every other allegiance.

As you walk toward the cross with Jesus, remember:
Discipleship begins with a simple yes—and continues with daily surrender.

🧭 Companion Questions

What “nets” might Jesus be inviting you to lay down in this season?
Where do you sense Him calling you to follow more closely?
How has Jesus used your ordinary skills or experiences for His purposes?
What step of obedience feels both challenging and necessary right now?

🚶‍♀️ Pilgrimage Practice

Whispered Prayer: Say throughout the day, “Jesus, I choose to follow You.”
Letting‑Go Moment: Identify one small thing you can release—an expectation, habit, or fear.
Purpose Reflection: Write down one way God has used your gifts or story to bless someone.
Following Walk: As you walk, imagine Jesus just ahead of you. Notice what it feels like to follow His lead.

🙏 Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for calling me to follow You. Give me courage to lay down what holds me back and to step forward with trust. Shape my heart, reorder my priorities, and lead me into the purpose You have prepared. Help me walk closely with You as I journey toward the cross. Amen.