Becoming Talmidim Disciple and What Happens When They Fall

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

In Jesus’ day, gifted students would listen to various rabbis and then approach their chosen rabbi and ask, “May I follow you?” In effect, the student was asking, “Do I have what it takes to be like you?” The rabbi would either accept the student as a talmid or would encourage him to pursue a trade.

Jesus broke this pattern when he chose his own talmidim. As he asked his disciples to follow him, they knew without a doubt that their rabbi believed in them. And as they came to see Jesus as the Messiah, they realized that God believed in them too.

We have ALL been called by God. Read what the Prophet Isaiah says: “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. (Isaiah 41:9). Will I accept God’s calling and follow him – knowing He believes in me – and will equip me?

Or are you waiting for God to equip you first? Remember this – God NEVER calls the equipped; He equips the Called!

WHEN A TALMID (DISCIPLE) FALLS

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15

Occasionally, a talmid grew disillusioned with his rabbi. Peter reached this point during the night when Jesus was arrested and imprisoned by the Roman guards. No doubt, he felt confused and upset to see his rabbi being led to his death. In his frustration, he denied that he had ever known his rabbi.

For any other rabbi, Peter’s action would have spelled the end of his position as a talmid. Peter seems to have thought he was finished with being a talmid because the Text tells us he went back to fishing.

But Jesus was a different rabbi. After his resurrection, he reinstated Peter, telling him to “feed my lambs.” And by encouraging Peter to take the role of shepherd, a role that Jesus had filled himself, he was telling Peter, “Even though you’ve stumbled, you can still be like me.”

What comfort that is for you and me! To know that even when we fail we have a rabbi Savior who calls us back into service. Do we heed our second, or third, or …. call?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I fail you as your disciple, and help me to return to service when I do! In Jesus’ Name, Amen