“Jesus’ call to us today is just as simple as the one he gave the first disciples… and just as revolutionary.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 25, 2026
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to travel back in time and become a fly on the wall as Jesus called his twelve disciples? You might find meticulous Matthew sitting in his tax booth, wondering how his life had become such a disgrace; or meet boisterous Peter hoisting up empty fishing nets in frustration, near to bursting from fatigue and failure. You could watch with a wry smile, knowing that, unbeknownst to those men when they woke that morning and went about their day, their whole lives were about to be turned upside down with two little words: “Follow me” (Mark 2:14; Matthew 4:19-20).
Not one of that motley crew of disciples ever imagined what his life would become, where the Messiah would lead him. To obey Christ’s call meant sacrificing everything, leaving their old lives behind to follow into the unknown. But in doing so, those men were transformed day-by-day, and the world was transformed by God’s power working through them. The cost was great, but as those of us who have had the privilege of reading the Bible now know, the story they stepped into was so much greater.
Now return from that imaginary time-travel journey and consider this: the same Jesus knows you and calls you today with the same command to follow him. He knows your particular talents, your struggles, and limitations. Whatever you believe you have or don’t have to offer, if he has called you, he has qualified you to be his disciple. Will you heed that call today and step into his story for you? Or will you hold fast to what you know, what makes you comfortable, what you call “mine”? What would it mean to step out of that comfortable place and follow him today, in your particular circumstances? It may be a move to the other side of the world, but it may be as simple as intentionally greeting your neighbor, or bringing a meal to someone in need, or pausing work to bring a cup of tea and a sympathetic ear to a spouse or child. Each and every time we heed the call to die to ourselves and follow Christ, we open ourselves to his transforming work in us and others, and we look forward to that all-transforming day when his Kingdom at last comes to stay. What better way could there be to use your today?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for calling me to follow you. Give me ears to hear that call each day, and a heart ready to obey. Your kingdom come! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can you open yourself to Christ’s transforming work in your life today?
Related Reading
Luke 9:23, 14:27; John 10:27; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1
Worship Resource
Casting Crowns: Follow Me
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