When I was a young boy, long before modern technology with mobile phones and other such gadgets, a popular game was named "Follow the leader". One person was chosen, and the rest of the group would follow. Then, whatever the leader did, however ridiculous, the rest of the group had to do the same. Depending on who the leader was, the ensuing activity could be interesting, boring, or downright dangerous!
In the Israel of Jesus' day it was not unusual for a man with a political cause or message to develop a following. For example, we read in Acts 5:36-37 : "For before these days Theudas arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered." It was even common for a Jew to follow a religious "master," calling him Rabbi and becoming his disciple. So it was not a unique situation when Jesus spoke to two fishermen brothers, Simon and Andrew: "And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." (Matthew 4:19-20).
But what made the disciples leave the lives they knew and follow the Christ? Perhaps they hoped He would lead a successful rebellion against Rome, but He had done nothing to have led them to such a conclusion. Nor had He promised them a life of luxury and ease, but rather hardship and hard work in their new occupation as "fishers of men."
However, John the Baptist had prepared the way for the Lord. He had trained some of the men who would eventually become Jesus' disciples. "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus." (John 1:35-37). it has even been suggested that training by John was a requirement for a potential replacement for Judas (see Acts 1:20-22).
Of course, even a credible witness from John was not their only reason to follow, for they had a great body of compelling evidence. For example, Luke records that, in Peter's case, the Lord Jesus had already gained local recognition. "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning Him went out through all the surrounding country. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all." (Luke 4:14-15). Jesus had been to Peter's house for dinner where his mother-in-law had been healed: "And He arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she rose and served them." (Lk. 4:38-39). The Christ had used Peter's boat for teaching: "Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, He asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat." (5:3) and had miraculously directed them to an overwhelming catch of fish: "And when He had ceased speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and ... their nets were breaking," (5:4-6). In response, Peter and his partners "... left everything and followed Him." (5:11).
We have a much surer testimony and much more evidence. Should we not do likewise?
