Matthew 4:21

He called them.

Jesus calls all to follow Him

When engaged in their ordinary occupations. By His Word-Providence-Spirit.

I. The call.

1. Who calls? Jesus, the Saviour. His right to do so. His love in doing it.

2. The action. A call. Does not compel.

3. The purpose. To bring from toil to rest, from danger to safety, from nature to grace.

II. The obedience. Immediate-no delay. Thorough. They left, renounced, gave up, not to return: forsook, parted with possessions, relations. The reason was to follow Him-imitate, save. Through humility to glory. What remarkable faith! What ready obedience! (J. R. Taft, M. A.)

The character of St. James.

I. His thoroughness.

II. His readiness.

III. His devotedness. (Preb. Griffith, M. A.)

Forsaking all and following.

I. Consider the demand made upon the men called.

1. It involved the sacrifice of

(1) Domestic ties;

(2) Property;

(3) Their means of livelihood.

2. It secured

(1) Ridicule;

(2) Persecution;

(3) St. Andrew’s cross. Such was the prospect.

II. Contemplate their obedience manifested.

1. It was thorough.

(1) They forsook all;

(2) They followed Him-everywhere.

2. It was constant.

III. Now, as regards yourselves.

1. You have been called to follow Christ-

(1) In your baptism;

(2) Preaching;

(3) Warnings of Providence.

2. You are called to-Renounce evil ways.

3. You are called as they were, to endure loss, pain, death. Test your proceedings:-Sunday-how do you keep it? church-do you value its services? Holy Communion, etc. (G. Venables.)