Matthew 4:21 And going on from there, he saw other two brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father… 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.) Parallel Verses KJV: And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. |