Luke 5:11

“When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed [Jesus].” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“When they had brought their boats to land, they left (aphiemi: forsake, let alone, depart, yield up, to let go, remit, to give up, keep no longer, abandon) everything and followed (akoloutheo: follow one who precedes, join one as his attendant, side with, accompany) [Jesus].”

SUMMARY

When they had brought their boats to land, they gave up and abandoned everything and accompanied [Jesus].

MEDITATION

When the would-be disciples were addressed by Jesus, they willingly left everything and followed Him. We see no coercing, begging or pleading as He simply said, “Follow Me”. How could one ever leave their entire livelihood behind and follow a man they likely did not even know, in the midst of going about their daily routine? They encountered Someone that could be likened to no one else they had ever met! Jesus was no ordinary man and they knew this from the very beginning. I ask you, have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? Have you come face to face with Him and willingly laid down everything that you cling to in order to follow Him? It is not a burden, it is a privilege to know the LORD and to be known by Him. How great it is to be called and chosen by the LORD Himself!